The Maid of Orleans: A Tragedy - BestLightNovel.com
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Renounce this fearful league--throw down these arms!
JOHANNA.
I am unworthy now to carry them!
LIONEL.
Then throw them from thee--quick! come, follow me!
JOHANNA (with horror).
How! follow thee!
LIONEL.
Thou may'st be saved. Oh, come!
I will deliver thee, but linger not.
Strange sorrow for thy sake doth seize my heart, Unspeakable desire to rescue thee----
[He seizes her arm.
JOHANNA.
The b.a.s.t.a.r.d comes! 'Tis they! They seek for me!
If they should find thee----
LIONEL.
I'll defend thee, maid.
JOHANNA.
I die if thou shouldst perish by their hands!
LIONEL.
Am I then dear to thee?
JOHANNA.
Ye heavenly powers!
LIONEL.
Shall I again behold thee--hear from thee?
JOHANNA.
No! never!
LIONEL.
Thus this sword I seize in pledge That I again behold thee!
[He s.n.a.t.c.hes her sword.
JOHANNA.
Madman, hold!
Thou darest?
LIONEL.
Now I yield to force--again I'll see thee!
[He retires.
SCENE XI.
JOHANNA, DUNOIS, LA HIRE.
LA HIRE.
It is she! The maiden lives!
DUNOIS.
Fear not, Johanna! friends are at thy side.
LA HIRE.
Is not that Lionel who yonder flies?
DUNOIS.
Let him escape! Maiden, the righteous cause Hath triumphed now. Rheims opens wide its gates; The joyous crowds pour forth to meet their king.
LA HIRE.
What ails thee, maiden? She grows pale--she sinks!
[JOHANNA grows dizzy, and is about to fall.
DUNOIS.
She's wounded--rend her breastplate--'tis her arm!
The wound is not severe.
LA HIRE.
Her blood doth flow.
JOHANNA.
Oh, that my life would stream forth with my blood!
[She lies senseless in LA HIRE'S arms.
ACT IV.
A hall adorned as for a festival; the columns are hung with garlands; behind the scene flutes and hautboys.
SCENE I.
