Joan of Arc

sword which in the keeping Of this house has long been held.

ABB. Wherefore claimed?

VAL. In faith of one, a wondrous maid, who says She is decreed to save the country.

ABB. What proof Produced of such a mission?

VAL. This with others-- She has in private told the prince a fact, Known to himself alone, and challenges Production of this sword, as pledge and proof Of her authority.

ABB. Of noble birth The maid?

VAL. Most humble.

AUS. Crushed the rising hope Of near deliverance.

ABB. And why? Faint heart, Why doubt that noble blood doth show itself, Though severed from its fount by laspe of years? Hast thou ne'er marked the far and devious course Of proudest rivers, borne from highest mountain, Now lost midst rocks; now over beds impure, Slow, sluggish seen; now hidden from all sight, And only heard in murmurs low beneath The shade of dark, impervious boughs; and now So shallow found, that urchin foot dare tempt Its depth, and laughing overleap its banks;