Page 191 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

It sendeth forth to skirmish. One to ten!
Lean raw-boned rascals! Who would e’er suppose [35]
They had such courage and audacity?

CHARLES

Let’s leave this town, for they are hare-brained 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. [40]

REIGNIER

I think by some odd gimmers 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.

ALENÇON

Be it so. [45]

Enter the Bastard of Orléans.

BAST ARD

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

CHARLES

Bastard of Orléans, thrice welcome to us.

BAST ARD

Methinks your looks are sad, your cheer appalled.
Hath the late overthrow wrought this offence?
Be not dismayed, for succour is at hand: [50]
A holy maid hither with me I bring,
Which, by a vision sent to her from heaven,
Ordainèd is to raise this tedious siege
And drive the English forth the bounds of France.
The spirit of deep prophecy she hath, [55]
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.