"tion at Rheims. I am mightily spurred that you "should go; and do not entertain a doubt that you "will in that city receive your worthy inaugura❝tion."

At the which the king performed marvellous grand feasting, as did also all those of the court, taking into consideration her virtuous life, and the great feats, and marvels in arms, performed under her conduct. Wherefore, shortly after, were the lords, chieftains of war, captains, and other sage men of the court, summoned by the king; and several councils took place at Tours, in order to determine what was requisite to be done concerning the request of the Pucelle, who desired with so much affection and with such instance, that he should retire to Rheims, and be there consecrated. Upon the which there were divers opinions, for some counselled that he should previously go into Normandy, and others that he should await the taking of some other principal places situated upon the banks of the Loire. At length the king and three or four of his most intimate princes, having retired apart, devising among themselves in special secrecy, thought that it would be expedient, for the greater surety, to learn of the Pucelle what the voice said unto her, and wherefore she thus gave them such firm assurances. But they were in doubts as to requiring from her the truth, fearing lest she should be ill pleased; the

which she knew by Divine Grace, wherefore she presented herself before them, and said unto the king:

"In the name of God, I know all that you think "and wish to say respecting the voice that I have "heard, in regard to your coronation; and I will tell 66 you. I began to utter my orisons, as is my usual "custom, making complaint because all that I said 66 was not believed. And then the voice said unto "me: Girl, go, go, go; I will be ready to assist "thee: go! And whensoever that voice comes, I

66

am marvellously rejoiced, even beyond myself.” And while uttering these words, she raised her eyes up to heaven, and testified a sign of great exultation.

These things being thus made known, the king was immediately right joyous, and from thence was it concluded that she should be believed, and that he would go to Rheims; but that he would not do so before taking of some places upon the Loire. And that during the period which would be occupied in reducing them, he would assemble together a great power of princes, lords, men at war, and others obedient unto him. Wherefore he nominated, as his lieutenant-general, John duke of Alençon, newly delivered from captivity in England, where he had continued a prisoner from the period of the battle of Verneuil, since which time he had not returned until the deposit was made of a portion of his

ransom pledges, with the hostages then remaining there in his stead, the which he briefly after acquitted, and in order so to do, sold a portion of his lands, thinking to recover others by assisting and succouring the king, his sovereign lord. Who, to do this, awarded to him a great number of men at arms and artillery, and gave to accompany him the Pucelle, expressly commanding him, that he should act and do entirely according to her counsel. And he conducted himself as one taking great delight to behold her in his company; and in like manner did the people at arms, all conceiving and respecting her to be sent by our Lord, and so she was. Wherefore the duke of Alençon and she, and their men at arms, took leave of the king, and entered the plains, keeping themselves in good array. And in this manner did they shortly after enter into Orleans, at which place they were welcomed with great joy by all the citizens, and above the rest, the Pucelle in the gazing upon whom they were never sufficiently satisfied.

After the duke of Alençon, the Pucelle, the count de Vendosme, the Bastard of Orleans, the marshal of Saint Severe, La Hire, Messire Fleurent d'Illiers, Jamet de Tilloy, and a valiant gentleman very renowned of old, called Tudual de Carmoisen, sirnamed the Bourgois, of the nation of Brittany, with many other personages of war who had remained for a short period in Orleans, took their departure on

G

Saturday, being the eleventh day of June, comprising altogether about eight thousand combatants, as well on horseback as on foot; of whom many carried javelins, hatchets, cross-bows, and others leaden mallets. And they caused to be transported and taken a sufficient quantity of artillery, thus departing in order to lay the siege before Jargeau, then taking part with the English; in the which place was Messire William de la Pole, earl of Suffolk, and Messire John, Messire Alexander de la Pole his brothers, and with them between six and seven hundred English combatants, furnished with cannon and other artillery, very valiant men in war; and even so did they show it in many assaults and skirmishes, which there took place during the said siege; the which was half raised on account of the terrible speeches of some, who said that it ought to be abandoned for the purpose of proceeding to the encounter of Messire John Fascot (Fastolf) and other chieftains of the adverse party, coming from Paris and conveying provisions and artillery with full two thousand English combatants, desirous of causing the siege to be raised, or, at all events, of victualling and affording succour to the city of Jargeau. And immediately many departed, and so had all the rest done, had it not been for the Pucelle and many lords and captains, who with fine speeches caused them to abide and made the others return; so that the siege was recommenced in an instant, and they

began to skirmish against those of the city, who discharged marvellously from cannons and other engines, whereby many French were wounded; and among others, by a blow from one of their slings, was carried away the head of a gentleman of Anjou, who had taken his stand on the same spot from whence the duke of Alençon, by the advice of the Pucelle, who had showed to him the danger, had but that instant retired, so that he was not more than twelve feet distant from the spot. During the whole of this day and the ensuing night, the French discharged bombs and cannons against the city of Jargeau, in such sort, that it was much battered. For by means of three discharges from one of the bombs used at Orleans, and called Bergerie or Bergere, was battered down the greatest tower of the place. Therefore on the following day, which was Sunday the twelfth of June, the French men of war placed themselves within the ditches, having with them ladders and other implements necessary to carry on the assault, and those from within sallied forth marvellously, the which stoutly defended themselves with a large piece, and most virtuously. And in particular there was one of them upon the walls, who was very tall and lusty, and armed from head to foot, wearing an helmet upon his head, who conducted himself very ably, and threw outright marvellous large stones, continually hurling down ladders and the men upon them. The which was