CHARLES. We are journeying Towards Rheims. JOANNA. Let us not linger by the way. Our foes are busy round us, shutting up Thy passage: I will lead thee through them all. DUNOIS. And when the work shall be fulfill'd, when we Have marched in triumph into Rheims, Will not Joanna then— JOANNA. If God see meet That I return with life and vict'ry from These broils, my task is ended, and the herdsmaid Has nothing more to do in her King's palace. CHARLES [_taking her hand_]. It is the Spirit's voice impels thee now, And Love is mute in thy inspired bosom. Believe me, it will not be always mute! Our swords will rest; and Victory will lead Meek Peace by th' hand, and Joy will come again To ev'ry breast, and softer feelings waken In every heart: in thy heart also waken; And tears of sweetest longing wilt thou weep, Such as thine eyes have never shed. This heart, Now fill'd by Heav'n, will softly open To some terrestrial heart. Thou hast begun By blessing thousands; but thou wilt conclude By blessing one. JOANNA. Dauphin! Art thou weary Of the heavenly vision, that thou seekest To deface its chosen vessel, wouldst degrade To common dust the Maid whom God has sent thee? Ye blind of heart! O ye of little faith! Heaven's brightness is about you, before your eyes Unveils its wonders; and ye see in me Nought but a woman. Dare a woman, think ye, Clothe herself in iron harness, and mingle In the wreck of battle? Woe, woe to me, If bearing in my hand th' avenging sword Of God, I bore in my vain heart a love To earthly man! Woe to me! It were better That I never had been born. No more, No more of this! Unless ye would awake the wrath Of HIM that dwells in me! The eye of man Desiring me is an abomination And a horror. CHARLES. Cease! 'Tis vain to urge her. JOANNA. Bid the trumpets sound! This loit'ring grieves And harasses me. Something chases me From sloth, and drives me forth to do my mission, Stern beck'ning me to my appointed doom. SCENE V. A KNIGHT [_in haste_]. CHARLES. How now? KNIGHT. The enemy has pass'd the Marne; Is forming as for battle. JOANNA [_as if inspired_]. Arms and battle! My soul has cast away its bonds! To arms! Prepare yourselves, while I prepare the rest! [_She hastens out_ * * * * * [_Trumpets sound with a piercing tone, and while the scene is changing pass into a wild tumultuous sound of battle._] SCENE VI. [_The scene changes to an open space encircled with trees. During the music, soldiers are seen hastily retreating across the background._] TALBOT, _leaning upon_ FASTOLF, _and accompanied by_ Soldiers. _Soon after_, LIONEL. TALBOT. Here set me down beneath this tree, and you Betake yourselves again to battle: quick! I need no help to die. FASTOLF. O day of woe! [_Lionel enters._ Look, what a sight awaits you, Lionel! Our General expiring of his wounds!