Classic Poem

Charles Sept

Agnes ordains — I seek my foes —
Pleasures, adieu! adieu, repose!
My God, my love, my hero-band,
Shall vengeance for my crown demand:
Ay, when my fair one's name ye hear,
Soldiers of England, quake with fear!
I at her side from honor fell astray;
Agnes to honor points again the way.

From danger far, in idle sport,
Frenchman and king, amidst my court,
I heeded not that France, a prey
To foreign chains, in bondage lay
One word, but one, my fair one speaks —
The blush of shame is on my cheeks.
I at her side from honor fell astray;
Agnes to honor points again the way.

Agnes! all, all my blood shall flow,
If that can victory bestow.
But no — victorious Charles shall live;
Glory and love good omen give
Conquer I must — yes, fair one mine,
My colors and device are thine!
I at her side from honor fell astray;
Agnes to honor points again the way

Dunois! Saintrailles! La Tremouille!
Frenchmen! how glad that day will be,
When I shall bid my beauty don
In twenty fights the laurels won!
And fame for me, and bliss for you —
These to my fair one shall be due!
I at her side from honor fell astray;
Agnes to honor points again the way.