Shook with strong arm and tore it from the fort,
And lifted it in air, portentous shield!
"Behold the towers of Orleans," cried Dunois.
"Lo! this the vale where on the banks of Loire,
Of yore, at close of day the rustic band
Danced to the roundelay. In younger years
As oft I glided down the silver stream,
Frequent upon the lifted oar I paused,
Listening the sound of far-off merriment.
There wave the hostile banners! martial Maid,
Give thou the signal!.. let us fall upon
These merciless invaders, who have sack'd
Village and town, and made the hamlet haunts
Silent, or hearing but the widow's groan.
Give but the signal, Maiden!"
Fix'd sadly on the foe, the holy Maid
Answer'd him; "Ere the avenging sword be drawn,
And slaughter be let loose, befits us send
Some peaceful messenger, who shall make known
The will of Heaven: so timely warn'd, our foes
Haply may yet repent, and quit in peace
Besieged Orleans, for I fain would spare
The bloody price of victory."
And as she spake, a soldier from the ranks
Came forward. “ I will be thy messenger,
O Prophetess! and to the English camp
Say to the Lord of Salisbury, and the chiefs