Page 193 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

With those clear rays which she infused on me, [85]
That beauty am I blest with, which you may see.
Ask me what question thou canst possible,
And I will answer unpremeditated;
My courage try by combat, if thou dar’st,
And thou shalt find that I exceed my sex; [90]
Resolve on this: thou shalt be fortunate
If thou receive me for thy warlike mate.

CHARLES

Thou hast astonished me with thy high terms.
Only this proof I’ll of thy valour make:
In single combat thou shalt buckle with me, [95]
And if thou vanquishest, thy words are true;
Otherwise I renounce all confidence.

PUCELLE

I am prepared. Here is my keen-edged sword
Decked with fine flower-de-luces on each side -
[Aside]
The which at Touraine, in Saint Katherine’s churchyard, [100]
Out of a great deal of old iron I chose forth.

CHARLES

Then come, a God’s name; I fear no woman.

PUCELLE

And while I live I’ll ne’er fly from a man.
Here they fight, and Joan [la] Pucelle overcomes.

CHARLES

Stay, stay thy hands; thou art an Amazon
And fightest with the sword of Deborah. [105]

PUCELLE

Christ’s mother helps me, else I were too weak.

CHARLES

Whoe’er helps thee, ’tis thou that must help me.
Impatiently I burn with thy desire;