Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/39

 We love?" said Theodore; and as he spake His warm cheek crimson'd. "Is it not most right To cheer the evening of declining age, With filial tenderness repaying thus, Parental love?" "Hard is it," Conrade cried "Aye, very hard, to part from those we love; And I have suffer'd that severest pang. My Agnes! I have left an aged mother; I have left one, on whom my fond heart doats With love unutterable. Should I live 'Till France shall see the blessed hour of Peace, I shall return. My heart will be content, My highest duties will be well discharg'd And I may dare be happy. There are those Who deem these thoughts wild fancies of a mind Strict beyond measure, and were well content If I should soften down my rigid nature Even to inglorious ease, to honor me. But pure of heart and high of self-esteem "I must