LITMIR.BIZ

      Each hath his place and function to attend:

      I am left out; for me nothing remains.

      But long I will not be Jack out of office:

      The King from Eltham I intend to steal,

      And sit at chiefest stern of public weal.

      Mars his true moving, even as in the heavens

      So in the earth, to this day is not known:

      Late did he shine upon the English side;

      Now we are victors; upon us he smiles.

      What towns of any moment but we have?

      At pleasure here we lie near Orleans;

      Otherwhiles the famish'd English, like pale ghosts,

      Faintly besiege us one hour in a month.

      They want their porridge and their fat bull beeves

      Either they must be dieted like mules,

      And have their provender tied to their mouths,

      Or piteous they will look, like drowned mice.

      Let's raise the siege: why live we idly here?

      Talbot is taken, whom we wont to fear:

      Remaineth none but mad-brain'd Salisbury;

      And he may well in fretting spend his gall,

      Nor men nor money hath he to make war.

      Sound, sound alarum! we will rush on them.

      Now for the honour of the forlorn French!

      Him I forgive my death that killeth me

      When he sees me go back one foot or flee.

      Who ever saw the like? what men have I!

      Dogs! cowards! dastards! I would ne'er have fled,

      But that they left me 'midst my enemies.

      Salisbury is a desperate homicide;

      He fighteth as one weary of his life.

      The other lords, like lions wanting food,

      Do rush upon us as their hungry prey.

      Froissart, a countryman of ours, records,

      England all Olivers and Rowlands bred

      During the time Edward the Third did reign.

      More truly now may this be verified;

      For none but Samsons and Goliases

      It sendeth forth to skirmish. One to ten!

      Lean raw-bon'd rascals! who would e'er suppose

      They had such courage and audacity?

      Let's leave this town; for they are hare-brain'd slaves,

      And hunger will enforce them to be more eager:

      Of old I know them; rather with their teeth

      The walls they'll tear down than forsake the siege.

      I think by some odd gimmors or device

      Their arms are set like clocks, still to strike on;

      Else ne'er could they hold out so as they do.

      By my consent, we'll even let them alone.

      Be it so.

      Where's the Prince Dauphin? I have news for him.

      Bastard of Orleans, thrice welcome to us.

      Methinks your looks are sad, your cheer appall'd:

      Hath the late overthrow wrought this offence?

      Be not dismay'd, for succour is at hand:

      A holy maid hither with me I bring,

      Which by a vision sent to her from heaven

      Ordained is to raise this tedious siege,

      And drive the English forth the bounds of France.

      The spirit of deep prophecy she hath,

      Exceeding the nine sibyls of old Rome:

      What's past and what's to come she can descry.

      Speak, shall I call her in? Believe my words,

      For they are certain and unfallible.

      Go, call her in. [Exit Bastard.]

      But first, to try her skill,

      Reignier, stand thou as Dauphin in my place;

      Question her proudly; let thy looks be stern:

      By this means shall we sound what skill she hath.

      Fair maid, is 't thou wilt do these wondrous feats?

      Reignier is 't thou that thinkest to beguile me?

      Where is the Dauphin? Come, come from behind;

      I know thee well, though never seen before.

      Be not amazed, there's nothing hid from me.

      In private will I talk with thee apart.

      Stand back, you lords, and give us leave awhile.

      She takes upon her bravely at first dash.

      Dauphin, I am by birth a shepherd's daughter,

      My wit untrain'd in any kind of art.

      Heaven and our Lady gracious hath it pleased

      To shine on my contemptible estate:

      Lo, whilst I waited on my tender lambs

      And to sun's parching heat display'd my cheeks,

      God's mother deigned to appear to me,

      And in a vision full of majesty

      Will'd me to leave my base vocation,

      And free my country from calamity:

      Her aid she promised and assured success:

      In complete glory she reveal'd herself;

      And, whereas I was black and swart before,

      With those clear rays which she infused on me

      That beauty am I bless'd with which you may see.

      Ask me what question thou canst possible,

      And I will answer unpremeditated:

      My

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