Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/403

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BOOK THE TENTH.
391
That stands unharm'd; and whilst the forest fallsUprooted round, lifts his high head aloft, 405And nods majestic to the warring wind.Him, present danger but magnanimates:He fought resolved to snatch the shield of DeathAnd shelter him from Shame. The very herdWho fought near Talbot, tho' the Virgin's name 410Made their cheeks pale, and drove the curdling bloodBack to their hearts, caught from his daring deedsNew force, and went like Eaglets to the preyBeneath their mother's wing. Nor his high birthDisgraced the Son of Talbot; by his sire 415Emulous he strove, like the young LionetWhen first he bathes his murderous jaws in blood.They fought intrepid, tho' amid their ranksFear and Confusion triumph'd; for such awePossess'd the English, as the Etruscans felt, 420When self-devoted to the Infernal GodsThe gallant Decius stood before the troops,Robed in the victim garb of sacrifice,

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