Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-28
JOAN,S DESPAIR
Translated from the German by Marie Mathis 70
the Eavle

Translated from the German by Mare Mathis 10,
In the following poem we have a forcible
and dramatic picture OF the despair, self
accusation and bitter condemnation which
lofty soul heaps upon itself after having
fallen below the high ideal to which it had
dedicated itself
The virgin called Joan TO perform the
high mission of her country's savior upon
condition that she would remain herself a
Joan makes a solemn VOW never to love a
man. This is beautifully told in her
Farewell, )" a poem which everyone should
read in order to appreciate the following.
But she breaks her VOW. After she has
led her armies to victory and killed with
own sword some Of the most valiant COM
nlanders in the English army, Lionel, the
last and strongest, the invincible, con-
fronts her and they engage in hand to
hand contest. Just as she was about to
seize his sword and deal the death blow
she sees his face and looks into his eye
That look was fatal. The sword drops
from her hand. She refuses to kill him
and bids him TO kill her and flee for safety.
An inner struggle or conflict follows
which is wildly portrayed in this poem.
ACT ",
finely furnished parlor. The pillars are huns
Win feStoonS. Behind the scenes flutes and farps
SCENE l.
The war is DER ceased has the battles din,
After the bloody fray they dance and sing.
Through all the streets resounds the gladstone choir
And church and altar are decked in say attire;
And bowers green they build beneatn
Far famed Rheims cannot hold all the guests
VINO come In throngs 10 ENJOY lAe least
And with but one ecstatic JOY they burn,
But one feeling reigns in every heart;
They who hated from their hatred turn,
and in the common Joy take part.
All who themselves of Gallo race confess
Are filed with glowing pride and happiness.
renewed Is the splendor OF The ancient crown
ReSaineG has the king his lost renoWn.
Yet l, who all this glory have achieved.
Remain unmoved when all are ga;
Changed is my heart and am aggrfeved,
Toward the British camp heave my signs.
Toward the enemy turn nay longing eyes
And from out this joyful tnrong steal
The heavy guilt Of my bosom to conceal
Who? I? DER the form of a man grow tender.
And let his spirit my pure bosom haunt:
This heart, once so Iilled with heavens splendor.
10 an earthly love did dare respond:
My high Gods warrior.
Love my country $ Zoe!
TO you. chaste Sum- dare this name
And not be shrunk TO nauCht by shame!
(The music behind the scenes passes into tender
and soothing melody
Woe woe to me. those melting tones!
Each tone calls back his voice
And makes his form appearl
Would that were tossed again mid the battles
And plunged once more in the raging strife.
would IND again my former HE.
These melodies, these ravshing sounds.
They weave around me seductive Charm!
Every thought and every feeling
They dissolve in tender longing.
And melt to plaintive tears or sadness!
after pause more emphaticalIy.)
And could kill him. Could as looked
into his eye! KID him. Sooner would
Have plunged the dagger into my own breast.
And m guilty because | was humane!
The voice Of pity and humanity
When Others sought to escape thy sword?
" ny was she silent. hen the gentle youth
OF Wales begged thee for his life!
Cunning heart. Thou deceivest the eternal Light
The voice OF pity urged thee not.
Why was compelled TO look into his eyes
Z o view the features OF his noble face.
in my glance Try su idoi pe ed a..iros
With closed eyes thou must accomplish his behest
When thou didst see. Gods shield forsook thee
And the darts of hell around thee pressed
Blessed staff! O, had ne'er
it for these arms,
Had neer beneath that sacred tree
Been moved by its mystic charms,
Would had not reen tiny vision
Exalted queen of heaven,
Take back, asked it not of thee,
Take back thy crown, tbs not for me-
Into open heaven did gaze,
And saw the glory OF her blessed face.
et TO the pleasures OF earth cling,
a nd not of the joys of heaven sing.
Why didSt thou my soul appaII
With this dread-thia crushing CALL
Could the love oil my heart conceal
Which heaven hath created to feel
Wouldst thou thy might make known?
Choose those who free from sin
Dwell in thy everlasting home:
end out thy cherubims,
he uIIdying and the pure,
" no neither weep, nor pain endure.
Not a weak maiden into service press
Not the gentle soul of sbepherdess!
Care for the fate Of battles,
Or the bitter feuds OF kings!
watched my lambs
[ pom the silent mountain heights.
Y ct thou forced me into ousy life
Mid prncely halls and scenes of strife
give over TO guilt and hate
4 las did not choose my fate.