The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9] · William Shakespeare
SCENE VI. _The same_.
_Enter, on the walls_, LA PUCELLE, CHARLES, REIGNIER, ALENÇON, _and Soldiers_. _Puc._ Advance our waving colours on the walls; [aaf001] Rescued is Orleans from the English: [aaf002] Thus Joan la Pucelle hath perform’d her word. _Char._ Divinest creature, Astræa’s daughter, [aaf004] How shall I honour thee for this success? ·aaf005· Thy promises are like Adonis’ gardens [aaf006] That one day bloom’d and fruitful were the next. France, triumph in thy glorious prophetess! Recover’d is the town of Orleans: More blessed hap did ne’er befall our state. ·aaf010· _Reig._ Why ring not out the bells aloud throughout the town? [aaf011] Dauphin, command the citizens make bonfires And feast and banquet in the open streets, To celebrate the joy that God hath given us. _Alen._ All France will be replete with mirth and joy, ·aaf015· When they shall hear how we have play’d the men. _Char._ ’Tis Joan, not we, by whom the day is won; For which I will divide my crown with her, And all the priests and friars in my realm Shall in procession sing her endless praise. ·aaf020· A statelier pyramis to her I’ll rear [aaf021] Than Rhodope’s or Memphis’ ever was: [aaf022] In memory of her when she is dead, [aaf023] Her ashes, in an urn more precious [aaf024] Than the rich-jewel’d coffer of Darius, [aaf025] Transported shall be at high festivals Before the kings and queens of France. [aaf027] No longer on Saint Denis will we cry, But Joan la Pucelle shall be France’s saint. Come in, and let us banquet royally, ·aaf030· After this golden day of victory. [_Flourish. Exeunt._
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