The Life of Friedrich Schiller Comprehending an Examination of His Works · Thomas Carlyle
ACT III. SCENE IV.
CHARLES [_about to go_]. Be it so, then! JOANNA. Not so, Sire! 'Twas not the embarrassment Of virgin shame that dy'd my cheeks in crimson: To this lady I have nothing to confide, Which I need blush to speak of before men. Much am I honour'd by the preference Of these two noble Knights; but it was not To chase vain worldly grandeurs, that I left The shepherd moors; not in my hair to bind The bridal garland, that I girt myself With warlike armour. To far other work Am I appointed: and the spotless virgin Alone can do it. I am the soldier Of the God of Battles; to no living man Can I be wife. ARCHBISHOP. As kindly help to man Was woman born; and in obeying Nature She best obeys and reverences Heaven. When the command of God who summon'd thee To battle is fulfull'd, thou wilt lay down Thy weapons, and return to that soft sex Which thou deny'st, which is not call'd to do The bloody work of war. JOANNA. Father, as yet I know not how the Spirit will direct me: When the needful time comes round, His voice Will not be silent, and I will obey it. For the present, I am bid complete the task. He gave me. My sov'reign's brow is yet uncrown'd, His head unwetted by the holy oil, He is not yet a King.
CHARLES. We are journeying Towards Rheims. JOANNA. Let us not linger by the way. Our foes are busy round us, shutting up Thy passage: I will lead thee through them all. DUNOIS. And when the work shall be fulfill'd, when we Have marched in triumph into Rheims, Will not Joanna then-- JOANNA. If God see meet That I return with life and vict'ry from These broils, my task is ended, and the herdsmaid Has nothing more to do in her King's palace. CHARLES [_taking her hand_]. It is the Spirit's voice impels thee now, And Love is mute in thy inspired bosom. Believe me, it will not be always mute! Our swords will rest; and Victory will lead Meek Peace by th' hand, and Joy will come again To ev'ry breast, and softer feelings waken In every heart: in thy heart also waken; And tears of sweetest longing wilt thou weep, Such as thine eyes have never shed. This heart, Now fill'd by Heav'n, will softly open To some terrestrial heart. Thou hast begun By blessing thousands; but thou wilt conclude By blessing one.
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