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JOAN OF ARC.
The unharming tempest breaks!"Nor paus'd they nowIn farther converse, to the perilous fraySpeeding, not unobserved—them Salisbury sawAnd call'd on Talbot. Six, the bravest KnightsAnd vow'd with them, against the Virgins life 570Bent their fierce course. She by that unknown manNow urged the war, when on her plumed helmThe hostile falchion fell. On high she liftsThat hallowed sword, the tenant of the tomb,And drench'd it in his bosom. On the front 575Of one, his comrade, fell the battle-axeOf him the dark-brow'd Chief: the ponderous blowShattered his brain. With Talbot's giant forceThe daring Herald urged unequal fight;For like some oak that firm with deep-fix'd roots 580Mocks at the storm, the undaunted Earl endur'dHis rude assault. Warding with wary eyeThe angry sword, the Frank around his foeWheels rapid, flashing his keen weapon fast;

Now

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