by order of the king; the which had sent for his wife the queen Mary, daughter of the deceased Loys, king of Sicily, second of that name, because many were of opinion, that he would conduct her to be crowned with him at Rheims. And in a few days after, was she conducted to him at Gien, at the which place he assembled several councils, in order to conclude the manner most convenient for the performance of the journey for the inauguration. At the conclusion of which council it was agreed, that the king should send the queen back to Bourges; and that without besieging Cosne and La Charité upon the Loire, it was the advice of many, that it should be taken by storm, before his departure and entering upon the route, which was done accordingly. For the queen being sent back to Bourges, the king began his journey to Rheims, and took his departure from Gien on the festival of Saint Peter, in the same month of June, accompanied by La Pucelle, the duke of Alençon, the count de Clermont, afterwards duke de Bourbon, the count de Vendosme, the lord de Laval, the count de Boulogne, the Bastard of Orleans, the lord de Lohiac, the marshals de Saint Severe and de Rays, the admiral de Culan, and the lords de Thouras, de Sully, de Chaumont, on the Loire, de Prié de Chaivigny and de la Trimouille, de La Hire, de Poton, de Jamet de Tilloy, surnamed Bourgois, and of many other lords, nobles, valiant captains,

and gentlemen, together with about twelve thousand combatants, all brave, hardy, valiant men, and of singular great courage; as before, at the time present, and also afterwards, was manifested by their feats and noble achievements; and in especial during this same journey: in the progress of which they traversed, in going thither, and repassed upon their returning, frankly and fearing nothing, through the lands and the countries, whereof the cities, the castles, the bridges, and the passes, were manned with the English and the Burgundians. And above all did they arrive, still proceeding on their road, to lay the siege and commence the assault of the city of Auxere. And forthwith it appeared to the Pucelle, and many other lords and captains, that it might easily be taken by assault, and they were desirous of making the attempt. But the inhabitants of the city gave in secret two thousand crowns to the lord de la Trimouille, in order that he might prevent it from being assaulted, and also delivered unto the king's army great quantities of provisions, which were very necessary. Wherefore, they did not proffer any obedience, whereat were very malcontent the greater part of the host, and even La Pucelle; so that nothing more was done with them. Nevertheless the king remained about the space of three days, and then took his departure with all his army, and proceeded towards Saint Florentine, which was surrendered up to him peaceably; and from

thence he advanced as far as Troyes, where he caused those of the city to be summoned, that they might perform obedience unto him; whereof they would do nothing, and therefore closed to their gates, and prepared to defend themselves in case they should be assailed. And there sallied forth from five to six hundred English and Burgundians, who were in garrison there, and they came and skirmished against the army of the king, as soon as it arrived and encamped around this city. But they were compelled to re-enter in great haste and in a mighty crowd by several valiant captains and persons at arms of the king's army, who continued there, holding as it were a siege, during the space of five days, in the course of which those of the host suffered many inconveniencies from the attacks of hunger. For there were from five to six thousand, who continued the space of eight days without eating of bread. And in sooth many would have died of famine, had it not been for the abundance of beans which had been sown that year, owing to the admonition of a Cordelier, named brother Richard, who, in the Advent of Christmas, as well as before, had preached through the provinces of France, in divers places, and had stated among other things in his sermon:

"Sow, good people; sow beans in abundance; "for he who ought to come will arrive briefly." Wherefore, in consequence of this famine, and

also because the inhabitants of Troyes would not tender their obedience, it was advised unto the king, by many, that he should measure back his steps, without passing onwards; considering that the city of Chalons, and even that of Rheims, were also in the hands of his adversaries: but even while these things were treating of in the council before the king, and that from the mouth of Master Regnaut de Chartres, then archbishop of Rheims, it was required of many lords and captains that they should now deliver their opinions; and after the greater part of them had demonstrated that on account of the strength of the city of Troyes, and in default of artillery and money, it were better to return; Master Robert le Maçon, who was a man sage in counsel, and had previously been a knight, stated thus, his opinion being asked, that it was necessary the Pucelle should be expressly spoken to, by whose advice this same journey had been undertaken, and that perchance she would point out a good expedient; the which was accordingly done. For, coming to this conclusion, she struck hard upon the portal of the council chamber; and when she had entered, the chancellor briefly exposed to her, in words and speech, the causes which had prompted the king to undertake this expedition, as well as those which led him to give up the same. Upon the which she very sagely made answer, and said, that if the king would yet continue, the

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city of Troyes should be subjected to his obedience within two or three days, either by love or by force. And the chancellor said unto her, "Jeanne, if we were certain that this should take place within six days, we would willingly abide." To the which she made answer immediately, that she did not entertain a doubt; wherefore, it was resolved that they should remain. She then mounted upon a courser, holding a stick in her hand, and caused all arrangements to be diligently made, to assail, and fire the cannons, whereat the bishop and very many of the city marvelled greatly. The which calling to mind that the king was their rightful and sovereign liege lord; and also the enterprises and feats of the Pucelle, and the report which was spread of her being sent by God; they required a parley. And then issued forth the bishop, with many wealthy personages, as well men at arms as citizens, who entered into agreement, that the men at war should retire with their goods and chattels; and that those of the city should have a general amnesty. And they required of the king, that those of the church who held benefices under the title of Henry king of England, should continue to abide firmly unto them; and that he should only annul new titles granted by him. And upon these conditions, in the morning of the following day, the king and the greater part of the lords and captains, very richly attired, entered into the city of Troyes, wherein there had previously