Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/124

 To holy Priest and absolution given I knew them not; for ignorant of sin Why should I seek forgiveness? Of the points Abstruse of nice religion, and the bounds Subtile and narrow which confine the path Of orthodox belief, my artless creed Knew nought. 'Twas Nature taught my early youth Religion—Nature bade me see the God Confest in all that lives, and moves, and is."

She spake energic. The full force of truth Breath'd from her lips. Appall'd the Doctors stood In vacant wonder, listening to the sounds Unwonted; till at last a Priest replied:

"Woman, of holy church thou seemst to scorn Prophane the mighty power; nay more—thy lips Confess that nature taught thee thy religion. This is heretical, and thou thyself Hast proved it impious; for thou hast declared  "Masses