Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/245

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BOOK THE SEVENTH.
233
There was a portal to the English fortThat opened on the wall; a speedier path 245In peace affording, whence the charmed eyeMight linger down the river's pleasant course.Fierce in the gate-way raged the deadly war;For there the Maiden strove, and Conrade there,And he of lowly line, bravelier than whom 250Fought not in that day's battle. Of successDesperate, for from above, the garrisonCould wield no arms so certain to bestowEqual destruction; of the portal's aidThe foe bethought them: then with lesser force 255Their weapons fell: abandoned was the gate;And soon from Orleans the glad citizensBeheld the hallowed banner on the towerTriumphant. Swift along the lofty wallThe English haste to St. John's neighbouring fort, 260Flying with fearful speed. Nor from pursuitThe v16lors ceased, but with the fugitivesMingled and waged the war: the combatants,

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