Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/40

 I must be honored by myself. All else, The breath of Fame, is as the unsteady wind Worthless." "So saying from his belt he took The encumb'ring sword. I held it, list'ning to him, And wistless what I did, half from the sheath Drew the well-temper'd blade. I gaz'd upon it And shuddering, as I felt its edge, exclaim'd, It is most horrible with the keen sword To gore the finely-fibred human frame! I could not strike a lamb. "He answer'd me Maiden thou hast said well. I could not strike A lamb. But when the invader's savage fury Spares not grey age, and mocks the infant's shriek As he does writhe upon his cursed lance, "And