The indignant Chief, "away! nor think to scare "With girlish phantasies the English host "That scorns your bravest warriors. Hie thee hence, "Insolent Herald! tell this frantic girl, "This courtly minion, to avoid my wrath, "For if she dares the war, I will not stain "My good-blood-rusted sword-but she shall meet "The mockery of the camp !" 66 Nay, scare her not ;" Replied their Chief, "go tell this Maid of Orleans, "Shall gall her tender limbs; for I myself No more," the Frank exclaimed, as to his cheek "And timely warning, came I to your camp, "Here with rude mockery and stern insolence "Received. Bear witness Chieftains! that the French, "Free from blood-guiltiness, shall meet the war." "And who art thou?" cried Suffolk, and his eye Grew fierce and wrath-inflamed, "what fool art thou "That at this woman's bidding comest to brave "The host of England? thou shalt have thy meed!" Then turning to the centinel he cried Prepare the stake! and let the men of Orleans, "And let this woman who believes her name "May privilege her apostle, see the fire * Reasons for burning a Trumpeter. "The letter she sent to Suffolk was received with scorn, and the trumpeter that brought it commanded to be burnt, against the Law of Nations, saith a French + Author, but erroneously, for his coming was not warranted by the authority of any lawfull Prince, but from a private Maid, how highly soever self-pretended, who had neither estate to keep, nor commission to send a trumpeter. Fuller's Profane State. + De Serres. "Consume him. Build the stake! for by my God "He shall be kalendered of this new faith "First martyr." As he spake a sudden flush Came o'er the Herald's cheek, and his heart beat With quicker action; but the sudden flush, To such a steady hue as spake the soul A hideous shout, more savage than the howl "Go down! ye English mothers mourn ye now, "Daughters of England weep! for hard of heart "Still your mad leaders urge the impious war, "And for their folly and their wickedness, "Your sons, your husbands, by the sword must fall. Long-suffering is the Lord, and slow to wrath, "But heavy are his judgements !" He who spake Was young and comely; had his cheek been pale Not unseen Rear'd they the stake, and piled around the wood; * De Serres says, "the Trumpeter was ready to be burnt in the sight of the besieged." Had Suffolk's arrogant fierceness bade the work Of Suffolk swell'd within him. But the rage Speed your work!" Exclaim'd the savage Earl, "kindle the pile "That France may see the fire, and in defeat "Feel aggravated shame!" And now they bound The Herald to the stake: he cried aloud, |