Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/334

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JOAN OF ARC.
As well thou know'st, was warm with all the glowOf Youth and Love! this is the arm that cleaved 160Salisbury's proud crest, now motionless in Death,Unable to protect the ravaged frameFrom the foul Offspring of MortalityThat feed on heroes. Tho' long years were thine,Yet never more would life reanimate 165This murdered man: murdered by thee! for thouDidst lead him to the battle from his home,Else living there in peace to good old age:In thy defence he died: strike deep—destroyRemorse with Life."The Maid stood motionless, 170And wistless what she did, with trembling hand Received the dagger. Starting then, she cried, "Avaunt Despair! Eternal Wisdom deals Or peace to man, or misery, for his goodAlike design'd; and shall the Creature cry, 175Why hast thou done this?" and with impious pride"Destroy the life God gave?" the Fiend rejoin'd:

And

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