Agnes Sorel enters with a casket of jewels in her hand. Although she has always refused to accept of the king any more costly present than a rare flower, or an early fruit, she now comes to devote all her wealth and possessions to his service. But her aid affords him little more than a noble proof of her love and generosity: it can effect nothing to the restoration of his shattered fortunes. He dismisses the deputies from Orleans with permission to make the best terms they can for themselves. Dunois, the bastard of Orleans, who has eloquently protested against this desponding desertion, as he deems it, of his own cause, quits the king in anger. Sorel dispatches La Hire after him to persuade him to return. La Hire re-enters.
"Sorel. You come alone, you bring him not with you.
[then observing him more closely.
La Hire! What is it? What means this kindled look?
Alas! Some new misfortune.
La Hire. Misfortunes
Are overblown—'tis sunshine, lady, sunshine!
Sorel. What is it?—I entreat—
La Hire to the King. Call back the embassy, The deputies from Orleans!
Charles. Why? What is this?
La Hire. Haste! call them back! Thy fortunes change, A battle has been fought, and thine the victory.
Sorel. Victory! Oh, heavenly music!
Charles. La Hire, Some fabulous report has cheated you. Victory! I believe no more in victories.
La Hire. You will believe—in greater wonders still Here comes the archbishop, and with him Dunois.