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out against them, and chased them even into their boulevards; and did so much, that they killed and caused many to be drowned; and the others fell into the ditches of their boulevards, which were then near the Grange of Cuyveret, and the WinePress of Ars, in the valley, which was there from ancient times. However, it became necessary for the French to abandon their skirmish, and return into the city, on account of the multitude of cannons, culverins, and other discharges which the English fired against them so thickly, and in such sort, that many in short were there killed on one side and on the other, and on their return one of the French fell into a well where he was killed.

In another direction the Pucelle and other lords and captains being with her, knew full well that the English amongst themselves despised and mocked her and her letter, having retained the herald who was bearer of the same. Wherefore they determined that they would march forward before their men at arms, provisions and artillery, and that they would pass by Sauloïgne, because the greatest power of the English was on the side of Beausse; so that of this nothing was told to the Pucelle, whose intention was to go and to pass before them by force of arms. And in consequence she gave orders that all the men at war should confess themselves, and that they should leave behind them all their silly women and their baggage; and thus they de

parted and proceeded in such sort, that they came unto a village named Checy, where they halted the ensuing night.

The next Friday, being the twenty-ninth of the same month, arrived the certain news in Orleans, how the king had sent by Sauloigne victuals, powder, cannon, and other necessaries for war, under the direction of the Pucelle. The which came on the part of our Lord, to victual and strengthen the city and cause the siege to be raised, whereat those of Orleans were mightily comforted. And because it was said that the English would use their endeavours to seize the provisions, it was ordered that every one should arm and be ready in the city, which was done accordingly. This day, also, there arrived fifty combatants on foot, habited and bearing javelins and other accoutrements for war, coming from the country of Gastinois, where they had been in garrison. On this same day was a very brisk skirmish, because the French wanted to appoint the place and the hour for the receiving of the provisions which were conducting to them. And to make the English believe that it was otherwise, they sallied forth in great force, and went running to skirmish before Saint Loup of Orleans. And no sooner did they approach than there were many killed, wounded, and taken prisoners on either side, so that the French transported within their city one of the standards of the English. And while this

skirmish was taking place, the provisions and the artillery, which the Pucelle had escorted as far as Checy, entered into the city. To meet the which, proceeded as far as the said village, the Bastard of Orleans, and other knights, esquires, and men at war, as well of Orleans as of other parts, mightily rejoicing at her coming, who all showed her great reverence, and there was fine feasting; and so did she to them. And it was there concluded by all together that she should not enter into Orleans until the night, to escape the tumult of the people; and that the Marshal de Rays and Messire Ambrose de Loré, who, by the commandment of the king, had conducted her thither, should return to Blois, at which place lived many lords and French men at war, which was done accordingly. For thus, about the eighth hour of the night, notwithstanding all the English, who raised every impediment, she entered completely armed and mounted upon a white horse, and caused her standard to be borne before her, which was white also, whereon there were two angels holding each a Fleur-de-lis in the hand, and at the tail was painted, like an Annunciation, which was the image of our Lady, having before her an Angel presenting to her a Lis. She thus entering into Orleans, had at her left hand side the Bastard of Orleans, completely armed and mounted most richly. And after came many other nobles and valiant lords, esquires, captains, and men at

war, besides many of the garrison, and also of the citizens of Orleans, who had gone forth to meet her. From another quarter there came to receive her other men at war with citizens and their wives of Orleans, bearing a great number of torches, and testifying such joy as if they saw God descend amongst them, and not without cause; for they had much weariness, labours, and pains, and that which is worse, great doubts of not being succoured and losing both their bodies and their goods. But they now felt all comforted, and those besieged, by the divine virtue, which they were told was in this simple Pucelle, regarded her with much affection, as well men and women as little children. And there was such a marvellous pressing in order to touch her, or the horse upon which she rode, that one of them, who was bearer of a torch, approached so near unto her standard that the fire caught the tail thereof. Wherefore she struck the horse with her spurs, and turned it so dexterously towards the standard, of which she extinguished the fire, as if she had for a long time followed the wars; and this was by the men at war esteemed a great marvel, as also by the citizens of Orleans. So they accompanied her the length of their town and city, making great feasting, and in great honour they all escorted her near unto the gate Regnart to the hotel of James Boucher, then treasurer of the duke of Orleans, where she was received with great joy, with her two brothers,

and the two gentlemen and their valet, who had accompanied them from the country of Barrois.

The day following, which was Saturday, last day of the same month of April, sallied out La Hire, Messire Florent D'Illiers, with many other knights and esquires of the garrison, and a number of citizens, and charged with unfurled banners upon the force of the English, insomuch so, that they caused them to fall back and gained the spot where they had established the watch, which they then held at the place of Saint Povair, within two bowshots of the city; in consequence whereof loud cries were heard the whole length of the town, at the which hour every one transported fire, straw and faggots, in order to kindle the fire in the lodgings of the English within their camp. But nothing was effected, on account of the English uttering forth dreadful cries, and that they arranged themselves in order for battle. And on this account the French returned; howsoever, before their coming, a very long and smart skirmish had taken place, during which the cannons, culverins, and bombs, fired marvellously, insomuch so, that many were killed, wounded, and taken prisoners on either side.

Towards night-fall, the Pucelle despatched two heralds to the English camp; requiring that they would send back the herald by whom she had forwarded her letters from Blois. And at the same time, the Bastard of Orleans made known unto

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