Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/108

 And little marvel I that to the cares Of empire still he turns the unwilling ear, For loss on loss, defeat upon defeat, His strong holds taken, and his bravest Chiefs Or dead or captur'd, and the hopes of youth All blasted, have subdu'd the royal mind Undisciplin'd in Fortitude's stern school. So may thy voice arouse his sleeping virtues!"

The mission'd maid reply'd, "Go thou Dunois, Announce my mission to the royal ear. I on the river's winding banks the while Would roam, collecting for high enterprize My thoughts, troubled tho' firm. He who essays Atchievements of vast import will perforce Feel his heart heave; and in my breast I feel Such perturbation." On the banks of Vienne Devious the Damsel turn'd. Thro' Chinon's gates The Son of Orleans press'd with rapid step Seeking