The Maid of Orleans (play)

SCENE VIII.

LA HIRE returns, CHARLES, SOREL.

SOREL.

You come alone? You do not bring him back?

[Observing him more closely.

La Hire! What news? What does that look announce?

Some new calamity?

LA HIRE.

Calamity

Hath spent itself; sunshine is now returned.

SOREL.

What is it? I implore you.

LA HIRE (to the KING).

Summon back

The delegates from Orleans.

CHARLES.

Why? What is it?

LA HIRE.

Summon them back! Thy fortune is reversed.

A battle has been fought, and thou hast conquered.

SOREL.

Conquered! Oh, heavenly music of that word!

CHARLES.

La Hire! A fabulous report deceives thee;

Conquered! In conquest I believe no more.

LA HIRE.

Still greater wonders thou wilt soon believe.

Here cometh the archbishop. To thine arms

He leadeth back Dunois.

SOREL.

O beauteous flower

Of victory, which doth the heavenly fruits

Of peace and reconcilement bear at once!