Anna Swanwick - The Maid of Orleans (Act 2 Scene 6) lyrics

The prospect opens. The English camp is seen in flames. Drums, flight, and pursuit. After a while MONTGOMERY enters. MONTGOMERY (alone) Where shall I flee? Foes all around and d**h! Lo! here The furious general, who with threatening sword, prevents Escape, and drives us back into the jaws of d**h. The dreadful maiden there—the terrible—who like Devouring flame, destruction spreads; while all around Appears no bush wherein to hide—no sheltering cave! Oh, would that o'er the sea I never had come here! Me miserable—empty dreams deluded me— Cheap glory to achieve on Gallia's martial fields. And I am guided by malignant destiny Into this murderous flight. Oh, were I far, far hence. Still in my peaceful home, on Severn's flowery banks, Where in my father's house, in sorrow and in tears, I left my mother and my fair young bride. [JOHANNA appears in the distance.] Wo's me! What do I see! The dreadful form appears! Arrayed in lurid light, she from the raging fire Issues, as from the jaws of hell, a midnight ghost. Where shall I go? where flee? Already from afar She seizes on me with her eye of fire, and flings Her fatal and unerring coil, whose magic folds With ever-tightening pressure, bind my feet and make Escape impossible! Howe'er my heart rebels, I am compelled to follow with my gaze that form Of dread! [JOHANNA advances towards him some steps; and again remains standing.] She comes! I will not pa**ively await Her furious onset! Imploringly I'll clasp Her knees! I'll sue to her for life. She is a woman. I may perchance to pity move her by my tears! [While he is on the point of approaching her she draws near.]