SCENE V.--_Interior of the Cathedral of Rheims._--_The Coronation.

ARCHBISHOP. CHARLES. JOAN.

ARCH. Faithful the promise. 'Twas spoke, 'tis done. France now demands her king; Scion of ancient root, hope of her line: And here in sight of her assembled chiefs, 'Tis mine to set this crown upon thy head, And with this oil, from Heaven first brought, anoint thee.

JOAN. Stand I indeed on earth? Is this no dream?

ARCH. Mark well the circle which must bind thy brow! Emblem of ceaseless duty and reward. Look on these gems--so be thy virtues bright. Tears from thy people drawn, by ill-stretched power, Will dim their lustre; while the grateful smiles, By kindness waked, will brilliancy impart, And show that Heaven approves and dwells with thee-- A curse or blessing shall this circlet prove, Fetters in hell, a fadeless crown in heaven. [_The crown is placed on the head of Charles._ Sound the loud trumpet! Let the organ's swell Re-echo through these walls! Long life to Charles! Joy to the rightful, to the usurper shame!

JOAN. I cannot pray: bliss hath engrossed my soul, And wrapt each sense in agony of joy.

ARCH. Approach, and pay your just allegiance. [_The nobles involuntarily draw back and make way for Joan, who throws herself at the king's feet._

JOAN. My sovereign liege--my king--accept--these tears.

CHA. Here to my heart I clasp thee, friend, preserver. This chain shall bind thee to thy king, thy country-- [_Takes the chain from his neck and places it on Joan's._ Wear it in token of this hour--

JOAN. My liege! When it shall be restored, 'twill tell that life And I are parted. (_To the Archbishop._) Now complete my mission. Here at thy feet, sword, banner, I depose, And consecrate his own to Him who armed At first my hand.

ARCH. The lofty strains repeat! And with the monarch's name, beloved, now join The holy maiden's. [_Joan sinks on her knee._

END OF ACT THE THIRD.