Friedrich Schiller - The Maid of Orleans (Act 2 Scene 4) lyrics

JOHANNA with her banner, in a helmet and breastplate, otherwise attired as a woman. DUNOIS, LA HIRE, knights and soldiers appear above upon the rocky path, pa** silently over, and appear immediately after on the scene. JOHANNA (to the knights who surround her while the procession continues above) The wall is scaled and we are in the camp! Now fling aside the mantle of still night, Which hitherto hath veiled your silent march, And your dread presence to the foe proclaim. By your loud battle-cry—God and the maiden! ALL (exclaim aloud, amidst the loud clang of arms) God and the maiden! [Drums and trumpets. SENTINELS (behind the scene) The foe! The foe! The foe! JOHANNA Ho! torches here. Hurl fire into the tents! Let the devouring flames augment the horror, While threatening d**h doth compa** them around! [Soldiers hasten on, she is about to follow.] DUNOIS (holding her back) Thy part thou hast accomplished now, Johanna! Into the camp thou hast conducted us, The foe thou hast delivered in our hands, Now from the rush of war remain apart! The bloody consummation leave to us. LA HIRE Point out the path of conquest to the host; Before us, in pure hand, the banner bear. But wield the fatal weapon not thyself; Tempt not the treacherous god of battle, for He rageth blindly, and he spareth not. JOHANNA Who dares impede my progress? Who presume The spirit to control which guideth me? Still must the arrow wing its destined flight! Where danger is, there must Johanna be; Nor now, nor here, am I foredoomed to fall; Our monarch's royal brow I first must see Invested with the round of sovereignty. No hostile power can rob me of my life, Till I've accomplished the commands of God. [She goes out.] LA HIRE Come, let us follow after her, Dunois, And let our valiant bosoms be her shield! [Exit.]