The Maid of Orleans (play)

SCENE VI.

The prospect opens. The English camp is seen in flames.

Drums, flight, and pursuit. After a while MONTGOMERY enters.

MONTGOMERY (alone).

Where shall I flee? Foes all around and death! Lo! here

The furious general, who with threatening sword, prevents

Escape, and drives us back into the jaws of death.

The dreadful maiden there-the terrible-who like

Devouring flame, destruction spreads; while all around

Appears no bush wherein to hide-no sheltering cave!

Oh, would that o'er the sea I never had come here!

Me miserable-empty dreams deluded me-

Cheap glory to achieve on Gallia's martial fields.

And I am guided by malignant destiny

Into this murderous flight. Oh, were I far, far hence.

Still in my peaceful home, on Severn's flowery banks,

Where in my father's house, in sorrow and in tears,

I left my mother and my fair young bride.

[JOHANNA appears in the distance.

Wo's me! What do I see! The dreadful form appears!

Arrayed in lurid light, she from the raging fire

Issues, as from the jaws of hell, a midnight ghost.

Where shall I go? where flee? Already from afar

She seizes on me with her eye of fire, and flings

Her fatal and unerring coil, whose magic folds

With ever-tightening pressure, bind my feet and make

Escape impossible! Howe'er my heart rebels,

I am compelled to follow with my gaze that form

Of dread!

[JOHANNA advances towards him some steps;

and again remains standing.

She comes! I will not passively await

Her furious onset! Imploringly I'll clasp

Her knees! I'll sue to her for life. She is a woman.

I may perchance to pity move her by my tears!

[While he is on the point of approaching her she draws near.