SCENE I.--_Chinon.

ALENCON. XAINTRAILLES.

ALENCON. Welcome again to freedom! France may rejoice, since thou in arms once more Art seen for her.

XAINT. In arms to little purpose. Our cause is lost, my lord. Orleans, our best, Last hope, must fall, and shortly. But I have sought thee, Eager to know, to learn,--

ALEN. What wouldst thou know?

XAINT. This strange report! this damsel, who, 'tis said, Is hither come to work such wondrous feats-- Whence doth she spring?

ALEN. From Domremie; her birth Not less obscure than this her native village.

XAINT. How introduced?

ALEN. She first besought from Baudricour An escort to the Dauphin; but in vain. At length, her suit oft urged, fair character, And lofty words prevailed with him.

XAINT. The prince Will ne'er demean himself to listen to her?

ALEN. A drowning man will catch, and eagerly, At weeds uprooted by the storm that wrecked him. She comes to-day, by order from himself, Before the council.

XAINT. Hast seen her?

ALEN. I have.

XAINT. Describe her: is she young?

ALEN. Of that sweet age When girlish smiles assume the dignity Which conscious womanhood doth first confer: The rose just blushing to the full.

XAINT. Rustic, No doubt, and ignorant.

ALEN. Her soul hath stamped her manner Simple, yet dignified--lofty, yet meek.

XAINT. Ta'en captive--grown poetic.

ALEN. Age like mine Has little thought of love or poesy; But yet there is a charm where loveliness Meets virtue, which it were a shame to slight. The snow which crowns the old man's head should make His reason cool, yet need not chill his heart. But come--the council must be now assembled.

XAINT. One question more--is Richemont here?

ALEN. Not he, Nor e'en desired. The hate the Dauphin bears him Continues undiminished.

XAINT. Yet the world Believes them cordial friends; that with the rank He craved, the constable of France has lost All that disgust the Earl of Richemont felt.

ALEN. Charles never will forgive the insult shown To them he valued most. Du Chatel first, Then Louvel he required should be dismissed His service and the council--price of friendship. The first his interest in his master's sank, But Louvel's firm adherence to his post, Bringing Camouse's death.

XAINT. Camouse's death!

ALEN. Ay, 'twas a bloody deed: but more anon, This maid absorbs all thought.

XAINT. Let's hasten then: My curiosity is all awake-- And more, I bear an answer from the regent, Which to the prince and council I must show.