Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/261

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BOOK THE SEVENTH.
249
The Maid beheld! "Lo! Conrade!" she exclaim'd,"The foes advance to meet us—look! they lowerThe bridge—and now they rush upon the troops:A gallant onset! Dost thou mark that man 550Who all the day has by our side endur'dThe hottest conflict? I did then beholdHis force, and wonder: now his deeds of deathMake all the actions of the former fightSeem as of no account: know'st thou the man? 555There is not one amid the host of France,Of fairer promise.""He," the Chief replied,"Wretched and prodigal of life atchievesThe exploits of Despair: a gallant youthWidowed like me of Hope, and but for whom, 560I had been seen among mankind no more.Maiden! with me thy comrade in the war,His arm is vowed to Heaven. Lo! where he standsBearing the battle's brunt in unmoved strength,Firm as the mountain round whose misty head, 565

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