The Maid of Orleans: A Tragedy Part 19

The duke, attended by two hundred knights, Will hither come; he at thy feet will kneel; But he expecteth not that thou to him Should yield the cordial greeting of a kinsman.

CHARLES.

I long to clasp him to my throbbing heart.

CHATILLON.

The duke entreats that at this interview, No word be spoken of the ancient strife!

CHARLES.

In Lethe be the past forever sunk!

The smiling future now invites our gaze.

CHATILLON.

All who have combated for Burgundy Shall be included in the amnesty.

CHARLES.

So shall my realm be doubled in extent!

CHATILLON.

Queen Isabel, if she consent thereto, Shall also be included in the peace.

CHARLES.

She maketh war on me, not I on her.

With her alone it rests to end our quarrel.

CHATILLON.

Twelve knights shall answer for thy royal word.

CHARLES.

My word is sacred.

CHATILLON.

The archbishop shall Between you break the consecrated host, As pledge and seal of cordial reconcilement.

CHARLES.

Let my eternal weal be forfeited, If my hand's friendly grasp belie my heart.

What other surety doth the duke require?

CHATILLON (glancing at DUCHATEL).

I see one standing here, whose presence, sire, Perchance might poison the first interview.

[DUCHATEL retires in silence.

CHARLES.

Depart, Duchatel, and remain concealed Until the duke can bear thee in his sight.

[He follows him with his eye, then hastens after and embraces him.

True-hearted friend! Thou wouldst far more than this Have done for my repose!

[Exit DUCHATEL.

CHATILLON.

This instrument doth name the other points.

CHARLES (to the ARCHBISHOP).

Let it be settled. We agree to all.

We count no price too high to gain a friend.

Go now, Dunois, and with a hundred knights, Give courteous conduct to the n.o.ble duke.

Let the troops, garlanded with verdant boughs, Receive their comrades with a joyous welcome.

Be the whole town arrayed in festive pomp, And let the bells with joyous peal, proclaim That France and Burgundy are reconciled.

[A PAGE enters. Trumpets sound.

Hark! What importeth that loud trumpet's call?

PAGE.

The Duke of Burgundy hath stayed his march.

[Exit.

DUNOIS.

Up! forth to meet him!

[Exit with LA HIRE and CHATILLON.

CHARLES (to SOREL).

My Agnes! thou dost weep! Even my strength Doth almost fail me at this interview.

How many victims have been doomed to fall Ere we could meet in peace and reconcilement!

But every storm at length suspends its rage, Day follows on the murkiest night; and still When comes the hour, the latest fruits mature!

ARCHBISHOP (at the window).

The thronging crowds impede the duke's advance; He scarce can free himself. They lift him now From off his horse; they kiss his spurs, his mantle.

CHARLES.

They're a good people, in whom love flames forth As suddenly as wrath. In how brief s.p.a.ce They do forget that 'tis this very duke Who slew, in fight, their fathers and their sons; The moment swallows up the whole of life!

Be tranquil, Sorel. E'en thy pa.s.sionate joy Perchance might to his conscience prove a thorn.

Nothing should either shame or grieve him here.

SCENE III.

The DUKE OF BURGUNDY, DUNOIS, LA HIRE, CHATILLON, and two other knights of the DUKE'S train. The DUKE remains standing at the door; the KING inclines towards him; BURGUNDY immediately advances, and in the moment when he is about to throw himself upon his knees, the KING receives him in his arms.

CHARLES.

You have surprised us; it was our intent To fetch you hither, but your steeds are fleet.

BURGUNDY.

They bore me to my duty.

[He embraces SOREL, and kisses her brow.