The Maid of Orleans: A Tragedy

QUEEN ISABEL, with soldiers, appears in the background.

Isabel. (behind the scene) This is the way toward the English camp!

Raimond. Alas! the foe!

[The soldiers advance, and perceiving JOBANNA fall back in terror.

Isabel. What now obstructs the march?

SOLDIERS. May God protect us!

Isabel. Do ye see a spirit? How! Are ye soldiers! Ye are cowards all! [She presses forward, but starts back on beholding the MAIDEN. What do I see! [She collects herself quickly and approaches her. Submit thyself! Thou art My prisoner!

Johanna. I am.

[RAIMOND flies in despair.

Isabel. (to the soldiers) Lay her in chains!

[The soldiers timidly approach the MAIDEN; she extends her arms and is chained.

Is this the mighty, the terrific one, Who chased your warriors like a flock of lambs, Who, powerless now, cannot protect herself? Doth she work miracles with credulous fools, And lose her influence when she meets a man?

[To the MAIDEN.

Why didst thou leave the army? Where's Dunois, Thy knight and thy protector.

Johanna. I am banished.

[ISABEL, stepping back astonished.

Isabel. What say'st thou? Thou art banished? By the Dauphin?

Johanna. Inquire no further! I am in thy power, Decide my fate.

Isabel. Banished, because thou hast Snatched him from ruin, placed upon his brow The crown at Rheims, and made him King of France? Banished! Therein I recognize my son! --Conduct her to the camp, and let the host Behold the phantom before whom they trembled! She a magician? Her sole magic lies In your delusion and your cowardice! She is a fool who sacrificed herself To save her king, and reapeth for her pains A king's reward. Bear her to Lionel. The fortune of the French! send him bound; I'll follow anon.

Johanna. To Lionel? Slay me at once, ere send me unto him.

Isabel. (to the soldiers) Obey your orders, soldiers! Bear her hence.

[Exit.