Anna Swanwick - The Maid of Orleans (Act 5 Scene 12) lyrics

The same, without JOHANNA. ISABEL (after a long pause) How was it? Did I dream? Where is she gone? How did she break these ponderous iron chains? A world could not have made me credit it, If I had not beheld it with these eyes. SOLDIER (from the tower) How? Hath she wings? Hath the wind borne her down? ISABEL Is she below? SOLDIER She strides amidst the fight: Her course outspeeds my sight—now she is here— Now there—I see her everywhere at once! —She separates the troops—all yield to her: The scattered French collect—they form anew! —Alas! what do I see! Our people cast Their weapons to the ground, our banners sink—— ISABEL What? Will she snatch from us the victory? SOLDIER She presses forward, right towards the king. She reaches him—she bears him from the fight— Lord Fastolfe falls—the general is taken! ISABEL I'll hear no more! Come down! SOLDIER Fly, queen! you will be taken by surprise. Armed soldiers are advancing tow'rds the tower. [He comes down.] ISABEL (drawing her sword). Then fight, ye cowards!