"On one fore-doom'd to misery; for so doom'd "Is that deluded one, who, of the mass "Unheeding, and the Churches saving power, "Deems nature sinless. Therefore, mark ine well, Brethren, I would propose this woman try "The holy ordeal. Let her, bound and stript, "In the deep pond; there if she float, no doubt "Her free from witchcraft. This done, let her walk "Most blessed Pope, we then refer the cause "For judgement: and this Chief, the Son of Orleans, "Who comes to vouch the royal person known cr By her miraculous power, shall pass with her "The sacred trial." "Grace of God !" exclaim'd The astonish'd Bastard; "plunge me in the pool, "Your dotard fancies! Fathers of the church, "In victory to prove the mission sent "From favouring Heaven. To the Pope refer "For judgement! Know ye not that France even now "Stands tottering on destruction !" Starting wild, With a strange look, the mission'd Maid exclaim'd, "The sword of God is here! the grave shall speak "To manifest me !" Even as she spake, A pale blue flame rose from the trophied tomb Beside her. A deep silence thro' the dome Dwelt awful: sudden from that house of death The clash of arms was heard, as tho' within The shrouded warrior shook his mailed limbs. "Hear ye?" the Damsel cried; "these are the arms "That shall flash terror o'er the hostile host. "These, in the presence of our Lord the King, Recovering from amaze, the Priest replied: "Thou art indeed the Delegate of Heaven! |