Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/356

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JOAN OF ARC.
The heart that loves them?" "Them," the spirit replied 565"A long and dreadful punishment awaits. For when the prey of want and infamy, Lower and lower still the victim sinks Even to the depth of shame. Not one lewd word, One impious imprecation from her lips 570Escapes, nay not a thought of evil lurks In the polluted mind, that does not plead Before the throne of Justice thunder-tongued Against the foul Seducer." Now they reach'd The house of Penitence. Credulity 575Stood at the gate, stretching her eager head As tho' to listen ; on her vacant face, A smile that promised premature assent ; Tho' her Regret behind, a meagre Fiend! Disciplin'd sorely. Here they entered in, 580And now arrived where as in study tranced

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