SCENE V.--_French Camp at Orleans.

DU NOIS. XAINTRAILLES.

DU N. I tell thee It is a gross affront, and such he means it. A woman too to lead my gallant soldiers, And point the path of duty to myself! I choke with indignation.

XAINT. Hear but all.

DU N. What more have I to hear? Behold the scrawl That marks his folly, my disgrace. Canst read, Or are thy eyes, like mine, made dim and blistered? Hast nought to say? art dumb?

XAINT. (_reads the letter._) I own 'tis strange. That she should supersede thee in command Is more than I had thought.

DU N. I understand The cause too well! Charles had not dared insult me Had I been other than I am.

XAINT. Been other! Who honour'd as thyself? Whose fame fills Europe?

DU N. I tell thee truth, and this the scourge that lashes me. The bar of bastardy is on my shield; The bar of alienation, mock alliance, Pride trampling on the outraged laws of decency. Witness me, Heaven! I would prefer to date Honest descent from humblest parentage, Than trace within these veins the highest blood Illegal mixed.

XAINT. Think on thy own brave deeds-- Deeds that----

DU N. More widely spread the guilt that shames me, Spreading the name of bastard through the world.

XAINT. Why, you've looked on good till 'tis become evil. Men love distinction, or in camp or state; And he has fortune won whose kin may serve As staves to mount ambition's proudest ladder.

DU N. I have no kin. What owe I to their love That I should claim them such? The life I have? The debt is cancelled by the shame entailed. To me my country is both sire and mother; And I for her such gallant deeds will work, That should I ever boast the name of father, My children shall exult in their descent, And swear by France, by honour, and their sire.

XAINT. No more! She comes! Now smooth thy ruffled brow; And let thy courtesy, at least, ne'er blush For thy neglect.

DU N. I will not meet her here. If I be mocked, 't shall be where all may see it, And learn with me to ridicule the cheat. [_Exit._