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——