Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/247

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BOOK THE SEVENTH.
235
A buckler broad, and fenced with iron plates,Bulwark'd his breast. Nor to dislodge the ChiefCould the English pour their numbers, for the way 285By upward steps presented from the fortNarrow ascent, where one alone could meetThe war. Yet were they of their numbers proud,Tho' useless numbers were in that strait path,Save by assault, unceasing to out-last 290A single warrior, who at length must sinkFatigued with conquering, by long victoryVanquished.There was amid the garrison A fearless Knight who at Verneuil had fought, And high renown for his bold chivalry 295Acquir'd in that day's conquest. To his fame The thronging English yield the foremost place. He his keen javelin to transpierce the Frank Hurl'd forceful: harmless in his shield it fix'd, Advantaging the foe, for by his side 300The battle-axe, an unfit weapon there,

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