The Maid of Orleans: A Tragedy

RAIMOND and JOHANNA enter.

Raimond. See! here are cottages; in them at least We may find shelter from the raging storm. You are not able longer to endure it. Three days already you have wandered on, Shunning the eye of man--wild herbs and root Your only nourishment. Come, enter in. These are kind-hearted cottagers.

[The storm subsides; the air grows bright and clear.

Charcoal-Burner. You seem To need refreshment and repose--you're welcome To what our humble roof can offer you!

Wife. What has a tender maid to do with arms? Yet truly! these are rude and troublous times When even women don the coat of mail! The queen herself, proud Isabel, 'tis said, Appears in armor in the hostile camp; And a young maid, a shepherd's lowly daughter, Has led the armies of our lord the king.

Charcoal-Burner. What sayest thou? Enter the hut, and bring A goblet of refreshment for the damsel.

[She enters the hut.

Raimond. (to JOHANNA) All men, you see, are not so cruel; here E'en in the wilderness are gentle hearts. Cheer up! the pelting storm hath spent its rage, And, beaming peacefully, the sun declines.

Charcoal-Burner. I fancy, as you travel thus in arms, You seek the army of the king. Take heed! Not far remote the English are encamped, Their troops are roaming idly through the wood.

Raimond. Alas for us! how then can we escape?

Charcoal-Burner. Stay here till from the town my boy returns. He shall conduct you safe by secret paths. You need not fear-we know each hidden way.

Raimond. (to JOHANNA) Put off your helmet and your coat-of-mail, They will not now protect you, but betray.

[JOHANNA shakes her head.

Charcoal-Burner. The maid seems very sad--hush! who comes here?