The Maid of Orleans

Than to submit to fate.

    [To DUCHATEL, who still lingers.

Duchatel, go,
And do what I commanded.

DUCHATEL (throws himself at the KING'S feet)

Oh, my king!

CHARLES

No more! Thou'st heard my absolute resolve!

DUCHATEL

Sire, with the Duke of Burgundy make peace!
'Tis the sole outlet from destruction left!

CHARLES

Thou giv'st this counsel, and thy blood alone
Can ratify this peace.

DUCHATEL

Here is my head.
I oft have risked it for thee in the fight,
And with a joyful spirit I, for thee,
Would lay it down upon the block of death.
Conciliate the duke! Deliver me
To the full measure of his wrath, and let
My flowing blood appease the ancient hate.

CHARLES (looks at him for some time in silence, and with deep emotion)

Can it be true? Am I, then, sunk so low,
That even friends, who read my inmost heart,
Point out for my escape the path of shame?
Yes, now I recognize my abject fall.
My honor is no more confided in.

DUCHATEL

Reflect —

CHARLES

Be silent, and incense me not!
Had I ten realms, on which to turn my back,
With my friend's life I would not purchase them.
Do what I have commanded. Hence, and see
My equipage embarked.

DUCHATEL

'Twill speedily
Be done.

    [He stands up and retires. AGNES SOREL weeps passionately.

SCENE VII

The royal palace at Chinon.

CHARLES, AGNES SOREL.

CHARLES (seizing the hand of AGNES)

My Agnes, be not sorrowful!
Beyond the Loire we still shall find a France;
We are departing to a happier land,
Where laughs a milder, an unclouded sky,
And gales more genial blow; we there shall meet
More gentle manners; song abideth there,
And love and life in richer beauty bloom.

SOREL

Oh, must I contemplate this day of woe!
The king must roam in banishment! the son
Depart, an exile from his father's house,
And turn his back upon his childhood's home!
Oh, pleasant, happy land that we forsake,
Ne'er shall we tread thee joyously again.

SCENE VIII

LA HIRE returns, CHARLES, SOREL.

SOREL

You come alone? You do not bring him back?

    [Observing him more closely.

La Hire! What news? What does that look announce?
Some new calamity?