第5章

Thenshekissedme，andsofledfromtheroom，asoneabashed，andcamenotbackthatday，when，indeed，Ididnotrise，norfortwodaysmore，beingweakerthanwehaddeemed。Buthappinessisthegreatestleechonearth，anddoestherarestmiraclesofhealing；sointhreedays"spaceIwonstrengthtoleavemybedandmyroom，andcouldsitbythedoor，atnoon，inthesunofspring，thatiswarmerinFrancethaninourowncountry。

NowitcouldnotbebutthatElliotandImustmeet，whenherfatherwasintownabouthisaffairs，orbusyinthepainting-room，andmuchworkhehadthenonhishands。ButElliotwasrightcoy，hidingherselffromme，whowatchedwarily，tilloneday，whenmymasterwasabroad，Ihadthefortunetofindheraloneinthechamber，puttingspringflowersinaveryfairvesselofglass。I

madenomoreado，butcominginstealthily，Icaughtherboldlyaboutthebody，saying-

"Yieldyou，rescueornorescue，andstrivenotagainstme，lestyouslayawoundedman-at-arms。”

Forveryfear，asIbelieve，lestshemightstirmywoundagain，shewasstillasabirdthatliesinyourhandswhenonceyouhavecaughtit。Andallthatpassesofkissandkindwordbetweenhappyloverspassedbetweenus，tillIprayedofhergrace，thatImighttellherfatherhowthingsstood，forwellIhadseenbyhiswordsanddeedsthathecherishedmeasason。Soshegrantedthis，andwefelltodevisingastowhatwastobeindaystocome。LacklandwasI，andpenniless，saveformypay，ifIgotit；butwelookedtothecommonfortuneofyoungmen-at-arms，namely，spoilofwarandtheransomofprisonersofEnglandorBurgundy。ForIhadsetupmyresolveeithertodiegloriously，ortowingreatwealthandhonour，which，toayoungmanandalover，seemthingseasilycomeby。Norcouldmymasterlookforagreatfortuneinmarriage，seeingthat，despitehisgentlebirth，helivedbutasaburgess，andbytheworkofhishands。

Aswethusdevised，shetoldmehowmattersnowwereinthecountry，ofwhich，indeed，Istillknewbutlittle，for，toamansickandnighupondeath，nothingimportsgreatlythatbetidesbeyondthewallsofhischamber。WhatIheardwasthis:namely，that，aboutOrleans，theEnglisheverpressedthegoodtownmoreclosely，buildingnewbastillesandothergreatworks，soastoclosethewayfromBloisagainstanythatcamethenceofourpartywithvictualandmen-at-arms。Anddailytherewasfightingwithoutthewalls，whereinnowonesidehadthebetter，nowtheother；butfoodwasscantinOrleans，andmanywereslainbycannon-shots。Yetmuchwasspokenofanewcannonier，latelycometoaidthemenofOrleans，andhowheandJohnofLorraineslewmanyofthehardiestoftheEnglishwiththeircouleuvrines。

AtthistellingIbethoughtmeofBrotherThomas，butspokenowordconcerninghim，formymistressbeganverygladlytodeviseofherdearMaid，concerningwhom，indeed，shecouldneverlongbesilent。

"Faithlessheartandfickle，"Isaidinajest，"IbelieveyoulovethatMaidmorethanyouloveme，andasshewearsswordatside，likeaman，Imustevenchallengehertofightintheisland。”

Hereshestayedmyspeechinthebestmannerandthemostgracious，laughinglow，sothat，verily，Iwascleanbesottedwithlove，andmarvelledthatanycouldbesofairasshe，andhowIcouldhavewonsuchalady。

"BewarehowyouchallengemyMaid，"saidsheatlast，"forshefightsbutonhorseback，withlanceandsperthe，{20}andtheDucd"Alenconhasseenhertiltatthering，andhasgivenherthebeststeedinhisstables，whereonsheshallsoonleadherarmytoOrleans。”

"ThenImustlaybymyquarrel，forwhoamItochallengemycaptain？But，tellme，hathsheheardanywordoftheeandme？"

Elliotwaxedrosy，andwhispered-

"Wehadspokentogetheraboutthee，ereshewenttoPoictierstobeexaminedandquestionedbythedoctorsoflawandlearning，afterthouwertwounded。”ConcerningthisjourneytoPoictiersIknewnothing，butIwasmoreconcernedtohearwhattheMaidhadsaidaboutElliotandme。ForseeingthattheMaidherselfwasvowed(asmendeemed)tovirginity，itpassedintomymindthatshemightthinkholymatrimonybutalowestate，andmighttrytosetmymistress"sheartonfollowingherownexample。Andthen，Ithought，butfoolishly，Elliot"sloveformemightbeweakerthanherlovefortheMaid。

"Yes，"myladywenton，"Icouldnotbutopenmyheartabouttheeandme，toonewhoisofmyownage，andsowise，unlikeothergirls。Moreover，Iscarceknewwellwhetheryourheartwaslikedisposedwithmyheart。ThereforeIdevisedwithhermorethanonceortwice。”

Hidingherfaceonmybreast，shespokeverylow；andasmyfancyhadonceseenthechildren，thedarkheadandthegolden，bowedtogetherinprayerforFranceandtheDauphin，sonowIsawthemagain，heldclosetogetherinconverse，andthatstrangeMaidandProphetesslistening，likeanygirl，toagirl"staleofthesecretsofherheart。

"AndwhatcounselgavetheMaid？"Isaid；"orhadsheanyprophecyofourfortune？"

"Nay，onsuchmatterssheknowsnomorethanyouorI，orknowsbutseldom，norseekstolearnfromhercounsel。OnlysheisbiddenthatshemustrescueOrleans，andleadtheDauphintohissacringatRheims。Butshewishedmewell，andcomfortedmethatyourheartwasevenasmyown，asshesawonthatdaywhenyouworewoman"sgearandslewhimthatblasphemedher。Andofyoushespokethebestwords，forthatyou，whoknewhernot，tookherpartagainstherenemy。Andforyourwoundshesorrowedmuch，notknowing，morethanIwhoamsimple，whetheritwouldturntolifeordeath。Andiftolife，then，ifshecouldbutpersuadethedoctorandclergyandtheKing"scounsellorstolethergo，shesaidthatyoushouldfollowwithhertothewars，andshe，ifsothesaintspleased，wouldbethemakingofyourfortune，youandIbeingherfirstfriends。”

"Thesaintsfightforher!"Isaid，"forwehavedoneourpartthusfar，andIwouldthatImaybewelleresheraisesherstandard。”

ButhereElliotturnedrightpale，atthethoughtofmygoingtothewars，sheholdingmyfaceoffandgazingsteadilyuponmewithwistfuleyes。

"OGod，sendthattheMaidgospeedily!"shecried，"forasnowyouarenotfittobeararms。”

"Thouwouldstnothavemelagbehind，whentheMaid"sbannerisonthewind？"

"Nay，"shesaid，butslowly，"theeandallthatIhavewouldIgiveforherandforhercause，andforthesaints。Butnowthoumustnotgo，"——andhereyesyearneduponme——"nowthatIcouldoverthrowtheeifwecametowar。”

Sohereshelaughedagain，beingliketheweatherwithout——achangefulthingofshowerandshine。

Thuswecontinueddevising，andshetoldmethat，somedaysaftermywounding，theMaidhadheldconverseapartwiththeKing，andthengavehimtowitofcertainmarvellousmatters，thatnonemightknowsavebyheavenlyinspiration。Butwhatthesemattersmightbenonecouldtell，savetheKingandtheMaidenonly。

ThatthiswassoothIcanaffirm，havingmyselfbeenpresentinlateryears，whenonethataffectedtobetheveryPucelle，neverslain，orre-arisenbymiracle，camebeforetheKing，andtrulyshehadbeguiledmany。ThentheKingsaid，"WelcomePucelle，mamie，thouartwelcomeifthouhastmemoryofthatsecretthingwhichisbetweentheeandme。”Whereonthisfalsewoman，asoneconfounded，fellonherkneesandconfessedhertreason。

ThisthatElliottoldme，therefore，whilethesunshoneintothechamberthroughthebarevine-tendrils，wassooth，andbythismiracle，itseems，theMaidhadatlastwontheearoftheKing。SohebadecarryhertoPoictiers，wherethedoctorsandthelearnedwerebutnowexaminingintoherholylife，andherknowledgeofreligion，beingamazedbythewisdomofheranswers。Thenobleladiesabouther，too，andthesemendicantfriarsthatweresenttoholdinquisitionconcerningheratDomremy，hadfoundinhernothingbutsimplicityandholymaidenhood，pityandpiety。But，asforasignofhersending，andamarveltoconvinceallmen"shearts，that，shesaid，shewouldonlyworkatOrleans。Sonowshewasbeingaccepted，andwastoraiseherstandard，aswehadcausetobelieve。

"But，"saidElliot，"theweeksgoby，andmuchissaid，andmenandvictualaretobegathered，andstilltheytarry，doingnogreatdeed。Oh，wouldthatto-dayherstandardwereonthewind!forto-

day，andforthesemanydays，Imusthaveyouhere，andtendyoutillyoubefittobeararms。”

Therewithshemadememuchgoodcheer；then，verytenderlytakingherarmsfromaboutme，lestIshouldbehurtagain，shecried-

"Butwespeakidly，andthouhastnotseenthestandard，andthebanner，andthepennonoftheMaidthatmyfatherispainting。”

ThenImustleanonhershoulder，as，indeed，Istillhadcausetodo，andso，rightheedfully，shebroughtmeintothepainting-

chamber。There，upongreateasels，werestretchedthreesheetsof"bougran，"{21}verywhiteandglistering——amightylongsheetforthestandard，asmallerone，square，forthebanner，andthepennonsmalleryet，informofatriangle，asiscustomary。

Thegreatstandard，intheMaiden"swars，wastobeusedfortherallyingofallherhost；thepennonwasasignaltothosewhofoughtaroundher，asguardsofherbody；andaboutthebannerafterwardsgathered，forprayerandpraise，thosemen，confessedandcleanofconscience，whomshehadcalledandchosen。

Theseclothswerenowbuthalfpainted，thefiguresbeingdrawn，bymymaster"shands，andtheground-colourslaid；butsomeportionswerequitefinished，verybrightandbeautiful。OnthestandardwasfiguredGodtheFather，havingtheglobeinHishand；twoangelskneltbyHim，oneholdingforHisblessingthelilyofFrance。Thefieldwastobesownwithfleurs-de-lys，andtobeartheholynames:

Jhesu——Maria。OnthebannerwasourLordcrucifiedbetweentheHolyVirginandSt。John。AndonthepennonwaswroughttheAnnunciation，theangelwithalilykneelingtotheBlessedVirgin。

Onthestandard，mymaster，later，fashionedthechosenblazonoftheMaid——adoveargent，onafieldazure。Buttheblazonoftheswordsupportingthecrown，betweentwolilies，thatwaslatergiventoherandherhouse，shedidnotuse，asherenemiessaidshedid，outofprideandvainglory，mixingherarmswithholythings，evenatRheimsatthesacring。ForwhenshewasatRheims，noarmorialbearingshadyetbeengiventoher。Herein，then，asalways，theyliedintheircruelthroats；for，asthePsalmistsays，"Quarefremueruntgentes？"

Alltheseeviltongues，andallthoughtofevildays，werefarfromusaswestoodlookingatthework，andpraisingit，aswellwemight，forneverhadmymasterwroughtsowell。Now，asIstudiedonthepaintings，IwellsawthatmymasterhaddrawntheangelofthepennoninthelikenessofhisowndaughterElliot。Wonderfulitwastoseeherfairfaceandblueeyes，holyandhumble，withthegoldhaloroundherhead。

"Ah，love，"Isaid，"thatbannerIcouldfollowfar，pursuingfameandthefaceofmylady!"

Withthatwefellintosuchdallianceandkindspeechasloversuse，whollyraptfromtheworldinourhappiness。

Eventhen，beforewesomuchasheardhisstepatthedoor，mymasterentered，andtherestoodwe，myarmaboutherneckandhersaboutmybody，embracingme。

Hestoodwitheyeswideopen，andgaveonelongwhistle。

"Faith!"hecried，"oursurgeryhathwroughtmiracles!YouarewholebeyondwhatIlookedfor；butsurelyyouaredeaf，formystepisheavyenough，yet，methinks，youheardmenot。”

Elliotspokenoword，butdrawingmeveryheedfullytoasettlethatwasbythesideoftheroom，shefledwithoutlookingbehindher。

"Sir，"Isaid，assoonasshewasgone，"Ineedmakenolongstory——

"

"Faith，no!"heanswered，standingbackfromthebannerandholdinghishandsateachsideofhiseyes，regardinghisworkaslimnersdo。"Youtwain，Idoubtnot，weresmittensenselessbythesegreatmasterpieces，andthethoughtoftheholyusetowhichtheyweremade。”

"Thatmightwellhavebeen，sir，butwhatwehadcovenantedtotellyouthisdaywehavetoldunwittingly，methinks，already。Icouldnotbeinyourdaughter"scompany，andhavethegraceofhergentleministerings——"

"Butyoumuststandsenselessbeforeherfather"spaintings？Faith，youareaverygratefullad!Butsoitis，andIamnotoneofthoseblindfolkwhoseenotwhatisundertheireyes。Andnow，whatnow？Well，Icantellyou。Youaretobehealed，andfollowtheseflagstowar，andwinyourspurs，andmuchwealthbyransoms，andsomakemylassyourlady。Isitnotso？"

Iwasabashedbyhis"bourdes，"andcouldsaynought，for，beingstillveryweak，thetearscameintomyeyes。Thenhedrewnearme，limping，andputhishandonmyshoulder，butverygently，saying-

"Evensobeit，myson，asbettermaynotbe。"Tisnogreatmatch，butIlooked，inthiscountry，fornothingnoblerormorewealthy。

Thatmylassshouldbehappy，andhaveonetofendforher，thereismyaffair，andIamnotoneofthosefatherswhothinktomaketheirdaughtersgladbytakingfromthemtheirheart"sdesire。Socheerup!What，aman-at-armsweeping!Strangetimes，whenmaidsleadmen-at-armsandmen-at-armsweepathome!"

Withthesewordshecomfortedme，andmademewelcome，forindeedhewasakindmanandawise；somanytherearethatcauseshrewdsorrowwhenthereshouldbejoyintheirhouses!Thiswasneverhisway，andwisedoIcallhim，forallthathascomeandgone。

Inalittletime，whenIhadthankedhim，andshownhim，Itrow，howhestoodinmylove，hebademegotomychamberandbeatrest，sayingthathemusttakethoughtastohowmattersstood。

"Foryouarenotyetfittobeararms，norwillbeforthesemanydays。Norisitseemly，norourcountry"scustom，thatmymaidshoulddwellhereinthehousewithyou，asthingsarebetweenyou，andImustconsiderofhowImaybestowhertillyoumarchwithyourtroop，ifmarchingthereistobe。”

ThisIdarednotgainsay，andsoIwenttomychamberwithaheartfullofgriefandjoy，forthesehoursthatareallofgladnesscomerarelytolovers，andtomewerescantlymeasured。Perchanceitwasformysoul"swelfare，towinmefromthewaysoftheworld。

ButtoElliotandmethatnightborenojoy，butsorrow，albeitpassing。Atsupperwemet，indeed，butshestayedwithusnotlongaftersupper，whenmymaster，withaseriouscountenance，toldmehowhehadtakencounselwithaveryholywoman，ofhisownkin，widowofanarcher，andhowshewasgoingonpilgrimagetoourLadyofPuyenVelay，byreasonofthejubilee，forthisyearGoodFridayandtheAnnunciationfellonthesameday。

"To-morrowshesetsforth，andwhatsoeverprayercandoforFranceandtheKingshallbedone。Always，afterthisdayofjubilee，theysaythatstrangeandgreatmatterscometopass。ThattherewillbestrangemattersImakenodoubt，forwhenbefore，saveunderholyDeborahinScripture，didmenfollowawomantowar？Maygoodcomeofit!Howeveritfallout，Elliotiswillingtogoonpilgrimage，forsheisverydevout。Moreover，shetellsmethatithadbeeninhermindbefore，forthemotherofthatMaidistobeatPuy，prayingforherdaughter，as，certes，shehathgreatneed，ifeverwomanhad。AndElliotisfaintomeetheranddevisewithherabouttheMaid。Andforyou，youstillneedournursing，andthesooneryouwinstrength，theneareryouaretothatwhichyouwouldwin。

Still，Iamsorry，lad，forIremembermycourtingdaysandthelass"smother，blessingsonher!"

ToallthisIcouldmakenoanswerbutthathiswillwasmine；andsothedayendedinaminglingofgladnessandsorrow。

CHAPTERX——HOWNORMANLESLIEWASOUTOFALLCOMFORT

MybrethrenthegoodBenedictineFathershereinPluscardenPriory，arewontbetimestobemerryovermypenitents，foralltheyoungladsandlassesintheglensaytheyarefaintobeshrivenbyoldFatherNormanandbynoother。

Thisthatmybrethrenreportmaywellbetrue，andyetItakenoshameinthebruitor"fama。”ForasinmyhotyouthIsufferedsorrowsmanyfromlove，sonowImaysay，likethatCarthaginianqueeninMaro，"miserissuccurreredisco。”Theyearsoftheyouthofmostwomenandmenarelikeatourney，orjoustscourteous，andmanyfallinthelistsoflove，andmanycarrysorerwoundsawayfromLove"sspears，thantheywotofwhodobutlookonfromthesafeseatsandsecurepavilionsofage。Thoughallmayseembutagentleandjoyouspassageofarms，andtheweaponsthattheyusebutarmsofcourtesy，yetareshrewdblowsdealtandwoundstakenwhichbleedinwardly，perchancethroughawholelifelong。Tomedicinethesewoundswithkindwordsis，itmaybe，partofmypoorskillasahealerofsoulsinmydegree，andthereforedotheyoungresorttoFatherNorman。

Someconfessorstherebewholaughwithintheirheartsatthesesorrowsoflovers，asiftheyweremere"nugae"andfeatherweights:

otherstherearewhowaximpatient，holdingallloveforsininsomedegree，andforgettingthatMonseigneurSt。Peterhimselfwasamarriedman，anddoubtlesshadhisownshareoftroubleandamorousannoywhenhewaswinningtheladyhiswife，evenasothermen。ButifIbeofanyavail(astheydeem)inthehealingofhearts，Iowemyskillofthatsurgerytoremembranceofthedaysofmyyouth，whenIfoundnonetogivemecomfort，savewhatIwonfromabookthatmymasterhadinhandtocopyandadorn，namely，"TheBookofOneHundredBallades，containingCounseltoaKnight，thatheshouldloveloyally"；thiscounselofferedbyMessireLyonnetdeCoismes，MessireJehandeMailly，theSieurd"Yvry，andmanyothergoodknightsthatweretruelovers。Verily，insermonsofpreachersandlivesofholymenIfoundnosuchcomfort。

AlmostthesoresttimeofmysorrowingwasforverygriefofheartwhenElliotsetforthonpilgrimagetoPuyenVelay，forwewerebutnewlycometogether；"twainwewerewithoneheart，"asamakersangwhomonceImetinFranceereIcamebacktoScotland；sweetlycouldhemake，butwasayoungclerkofnogodlycounsel，andhadtonameMaitreFrancoysVillon。Ourheartwasone，theheartofElliotandmineown，andlo!here，inaday，itwastornasunderandweweresetapartbythewisdomofmen。

IremembermehowIlaywakefulonthenightbeforethedaywhenElliotshoulddepart。Tossingandturning，Ilaytillthesmallfowlsbrakeforthwiththeirsongs，andmyownthoughtseemedtocomeandgo，andcomeagaininmyhead，likethe"ritournelle"ofthebirds。AtlastImightnotendure，butroseandattiredmyselfveryearly，andsowentdownintothechamber。ThitherpresentlycameElliot，feigningwondertofindmearisen，andmakingpretencethatshewasaboutherhousewiferies，butwellIwotthatshemightsleepnomorethanI。Theoldhousewifecomingandgoingthroughtheroom，therewedevised，comfortingeachotherwithhopesandprayers；indeedwesorelywantedcomfort，becausenevertillwewerewed，ifeverthatshouldbe，mightwehavesuchsolaceofeachother"spresenceaswedesired。ThenIbroughtfromtheworkshopasheetofvellumandcolours，andthepaintingtools，andsofashionedalittlepictureofher，towearwithinthebreastofmydoublet。Arudethingitwasandis，forwhatgold，howeverfinelyhandled，couldmatchwithhergoldenhair，whereof，atmydesire，shegavemealock；andofallworldlygearfrommysecularlife，theseandthefourlinksofmymother"schainalonearestillmine，andwheremyheartisthereismytreasure。Andshe，too，mustclipalongcurlofmyhair，forasyetitwasnotcut"enronde，"asarchersusetowearit，butwhenshecameagain，shesaidshewouldfindmeshrewdlyshaven，andthenwouldlovemenolonger。Thenshelaughedandkissedme，andfelltocomfortingmeforthatshewouldnotbelongaway。

"Andinthreemonthsorfour，"shesaid，"theKingwillbesacredatRheims，andtheMaidwillgiveyouredwinetodrinkinParistown，andtheEnglishwillbesweptintothesea，andthenweshallhavepeaceandabundance。”

"Andthenshallwebewedded，andneverpart，"Icried；whereatsheblushed，biddingmenotbeoverbold，forherheartmightyetchange，andsolaughedagain；andthuswefleetedthetime，tillherfathercameandsentheraboutdisposingsuchthingsasshemusttakewithher。Amongtheseshewassetoncarryingherjackanapes，tomakehermerryontheroad，thoughhereIwasofanothercounsel。

Forinsogreatagatheringtheremustbemanygangrelfolk，andamongthem，peradventure，theviolerwoman，whowoulddesiretohavethecreaturegivenbacktoher。But，ifitwereso，Elliotsaidshewouldpurchasethejackanapes，"forIamnolifterofothermen"scattle，asallyouScotsare，andIamfaintoownmyjackanapeshonestly。”

Soshecarriedhimwithher，thelightchainaboutherwrist，andheridingonhersaddle-bow，forpresently，withmanybannerswavingandwithsingingofhymns，camethetroopwhowendedtogetheronpilgrimage。Manytownsfolkwellarmedweretheretoguardtheirwomen；theflagsofallthecraftswereonthewind；thepriestscarriedblessedbanners；sowiththisgoodlycompany，andherconfessor，andherfather"soldkinswoman，Elliotrodeaway。Thejackanapeswasscreechingonhersaddle-bow，heryellowhairwasliftedonhershoulderwiththelightbreeze；herfatherrodethefirsttwostageswiththem。Merryenoughtheyseemedthatwent，andthebellswerechiming，butIwasleftalone，myheartempty，oronlyfullofuselesslongings。Ibetookmyself，therefore，toachapelhardby，andtheremademyorisonsfortheirsafetyandforgoodspeedtotheMaidandherholyenterprise。

Thereaftertherewasnosimilitudeformeandmyunhappyestate，savethatofadogwhohaslosthismasterinastrangeplace，andgoesquestingeverywhere，andcomfortless。ThenRandalRutherford，comingtovisitme，foundmesuchalackmirth，hesaid，andmywitssodistraught，thatalove-sickwenchwerebettercompanyforaman-

at-arms。

"Cheerup，man，"hesaid。"Lookatme，didInotleavemyheartatBranxholmeMainswithMallyGrieve，andsoineverytownwhereI

havebeeningarrison，anddoyouseemecastdown？Offwiththisgreensickness，orneverwillyouhavestrengthtomarchwiththeMaid，wherethereiswealthtobewon，andgoldencoronets，andgaudystones，suchasSaundersMacauslandtookofftheDukeofClarenceatBauge。Faith，betweenthewoundCapdoratgaveyouandthisarrowofDanCupid"sinyourheart，IbelieveyouwillnotbeofstrengthtocarryarmstillthereisnotapockpuddingleftinbroadFrance。Comeforth，anddrainapotortwoofwine，or，iftheleechforbidsit，come，Iwillplayyouforallthatisowingbetweenyouandme。”

Withthatheluggedouthisdiceandfetchedatablier，butpresentlyvowedthatitwasplainrobbery，forIcouldkeepnocountofthegame。Therewithheleftme，laughingandmocking，andsayingthatIhadbeenbolderwithRobinLindsay"slass。

Beingaloneandoutofallcomfort，Ifelltowanderingintheworkroom，andtherelit，tomysolace，onthatblessedbookofthehundredballades，whichmymasterwasadorningwithpictures，andwithscarlet，blue，andgold。Itsetforthhowayoungknight，insorrowoflove，wasridingbetweenPontdeCeandAngiers，andhowotherknightsmethimandgavehimcounsel。TheselinesIread，andgettingthembyrote，tookthemformydevice，fortheybidtheloverthrusthimselfforemostinthepress，andinbreach，mine，andescalade。

S"enassaultviens，devanttelance，Enmine，eneschielle，entouslieuxOuproescelesbonsavance，TaDamet"enaimeramieux。

Butreadingsoongrewawearinesstome，asmylifewas，andmymastercominghome，bademebeofbettercheer。

"BySt。Andrew，"quothhe，"thisisnonewmaladyofthine，butwellknowntoleechesfromofold，andneveryetwasitmortal!Remedethereisnone，savetomakeballadesandrondels，andforgetsorrowinhuntingrhymes，ifthouartamaker。Thouartnone？Nay，noreverwasI，lad；butIhavehadthisdisease，andyetyouseemewholeandwell。Come，lendmeahandatpaintingintheselilies；

itpassesnotthyskill。”

SoIwroughtsomeworkwhereofIhavereasontobeproud，fortheselilieswerecarriedwheresoeverblowsandhonourweretobewon，ay，andwherefewmightfollowthem。Meanwhile，mymasterdevisedwithmeaboutsuchsightsashehadseenontheway，andhowgreataconcoursewasonpilgrimagetoPuy，andhow，ifprayersavailed，thecauseofFrancewaswon；"andyet，inEnglandtoo，wivesareprayingfortheirlords，andlassesfortheirladsinFrance。Butoursisthebetterquarrel。”

Sothatwearydaywentby，oneofthelongestthatIhaveknown，andotherdays，tillnowtheleechsaidthatImightgobacktothecastle，thoughthatImightmarchtothewarshemuchmisdoubted。

AmongthearchersIhadthebestofgreetings，andallquarrelswerelaidby，for，aswassaid，weweretosetforthtoOrleans，wherewouldbeblowsenoughtostaythegreedieststomach。FornowtheMaidhadwonallhearts，takingsomewithherpiety，andotherswithherwitandknowledge，thatconfoundedthedoctors，howshe，asimplewench，wassosubtleindoctrine，whichmightnotbebutbyinspiration。Others，again，weremovedbyhermirthandgood-

fellowship，forshewouldstrikeaman-at-armsontheshoulderlikeacomrade，andherhorsemanshipanddeftnesswithswordandlancebewitchedothers，sheseemingasvaliantandfairastheseladycrusadersofwhomoldromancestell。Andothers，again，shegainedbybourdesandjests；othersbyhermanners，thefairestandmostcourtlythatmightbe，forshe，amanant"sdaughter，boreherselfasanequalbeforethebloodofFrance，andwasrightdeartotheyoungbrideofthefairDucd"Alencon。Yetwasthereabouthersuchagraceofpurity，asofonedescendedfromtheskies，thatnomanofthemallwassohardyastospeaktoheroflove，orevensomuchastothinkthereofinthesecretofhisheart。

Soallreportedofher，andshehadletwritealettertotheEnglishatOrleans，biddingthemyieldtoGodandtheMaid，andbegonetotheirowncountry，lestaworsethingbefallthem。Atthislettertheymocked，swearingthattheywouldburnherheraldswhocarriedthemessage。ButtheKinghadnamedherchiefofwar，andgivenherahousehold，withagoodesquire，Jeand"Aulon，togovernit，andallthatbeseemsnobleorroyalblood。Newarmourhadbeenmadeforher，allofsteelandsilver，andtherewastalkofaswordthatshehadcomebyinnocommonway，butthroughrevelationofthesaints。ForshebeinginTourshaditrevealedtoherthatacertainancientsword，withfivecrossesontheblade，layburiedbehindthealtarofSt。CatherineofFierbois。AnarmourerofTourswasthereforesentthither，andaftermuchlabourandsearchtheyofSt。Catherine"sChurchfoundthatsword，veryancient，andmuchbestainedwithrust。Howbeit，theycleaneditandmadeforitasheathofclothofgold。Nevertheless，theMaidworeitinaleathernscabbard。

CHAPTERXI——HOWMADAMECATHERINEOFFIERBOISWROUGHTAMIRACLEFORA

SCOT，ANDHOWNORMANRODETOTHEWARS

Now，inthisplaceIcannotwithholdmefromtellingofanadventurewhichatthisverytimebefell，thoughitscarcebelongstomypresentchronicle。Butitmaybethat，intimetocome，faithwillwaxcold，andtheverysaintsbemisdoubtedofmen。ItthereforebehovesmenottoholdbackthetruthwhichIknow，andwhichthistalemakesplainandundeniableevenbyHussites，Lollards，andothermiscreants。Forhewhoreadsmustbeconstrainedtoownthatthereisnostraitsoterriblebutthesaintscanbringsafelyforththerefromsuchmenascalluponthem。

TherecameatthisseasontoChinonfromFierbois(wheretheMaid"sswordwasfoundbymiracle)aScottisharcher，notaforetimeofourcompany，thoughnowhetookservicewithus。HewasnamedMichaelHamilton，andwasatallmanandstrong，grimofface，suddeninanger，heavyofhand，walkedalittlelame，andlackedoneear。

Thatwhichfollowshehimselftoldtousandtoourchaplain，FatherUrquhart，andImyselfhavereaditintheBookoftheMiraclesofMadameSt。CatherineofFierbois。{22}

YoumustknowthatBrittany，asatthistime，heldfortheEnglish，andMichaelHamiltonhadgonethitherreivingandpillagingthecountrywithacompanyofScotsmen-at-arms。HardbyaplacecalledClissontheyhadseizedadesertedtowerandhelditforsomedays。

Itsofelloutthattheytookaburgessofthecountry，whowasplayingthespyontheirquarters；himtheyputtothetorture，andsolearnedthattheEnglishwerecomingagainstthemwithagreatcompanyofmen-at-armsandofthecountryfolk，onthatverynight。

Theythereforedelayednolongerthantohangthespyfromasufficientboughofatree，thisMichaeldoingwhatwasneedful，andsowerehurryingtohorse，when，lo!theEnglishwereuponthem。

Nothavingopportunitytoreachthestablesandmount，MichaelHamiltonfledonfoot，withwhatspeedhemight，butsorelyimpededbytheweightofhisarmour。Thecountryfolk，therefore，beinglightoffoot，easilyovertookhim，andafterslayingoneandwoundingmore，hewascaughtinanooseofropethrownoverhimfrombehind。Now，evenashefeltthenoosetightenabouthisarms，he(thoughnotcommonlypiousbeyondthewontofmen-at-arms)vowedinhishearttomakeapilgrimagetoFierbois，andtotheshrineofMadameSt。Catherine，ifshewouldbutaidhim。And，indeed，hewaseveraworshipperofSt。Catherine，shebeingthepatronessofhisownparishkirk，nearBothwell。Nonetheless，hewasovercomeandbound，whereonhethathadthrownthenoose，andwassonofthespywhomMichaelhadhanged，vowedthathewould，withhisownhands，hangMichael。Noransomwouldthismananttake，norwouldhesufferMichael，asagentlemanofbloodandbirth，todiebythesword。SohangedMichaelwas；doubtnotbutitwasdoneinthebestmanner，andtherehewaslefthanging。

Now，thatnightofMaundyThursdaythecureofClissonwasinhischamberandwasabouttogotobed。Butashemadereadyforbedheheard，fromacornerofthechamber，aclearvoicesaying，"GoforthandcutdowntheScotsman-at-armswhowashanged，forheyetlives。”

Thecure，thinkingthathemustbehalfasleepanddreaming，paidnomannerofregardtothesecommands。Thereonthevoice，twiceandthrice，spokealoud，nonesavethecurebeingpresent，andsaid，"GoforthandcutdowntheScotsman-at-armswhowashanged，forheyetlives。”

Itoftensochancesthatmeninreligionaremorehardofhearttobelievethanlaymenandthesimple。Thecure，therefore，havingmadeallduesearch，andfoundnonelivingwhocouldhaveutteredthatvoice，wentnotforthhimself，butatnoonofGoodFriday，hisservicebeingdone，hesenthissexton，asoneusednottofearthesightandcompanyofdeadmen。Thesextonsetout，whistlingforjoyoftheslayingoftheScot，butwhenhecamebackhewasrunningasfastashemight，andscarcecouldspeakforveryfear。AtthelasttheywonfromhimthathehadgonetothetreewherethedeadScotwashanging，andfirsthadheardafaintrustleoftheboughs。

Notaffrighted，thesextondrewoutaknifeandslitoneofMichael"sbaretoes，fortheyhadstrippedhimbeforetheyhangedhim。Atthetouchoftheknifethebloodcame，andthefootgaveakick，whereonthesextonhastenedbackwiththesetidingstothecure。Theholyman，therefore，sendingforsuchclergyashecouldmuster，wentattheirhead，inallhisrobescanonical，tothewildwood，wheretheycutMichaeldownandrubbedhisbodyandpouredwineintohisthroat，sothat，attheendofhalfanhour，hesatupandsaid，"PayWaiterHaythetwotestersthatIowehim。”

Thereonmostranandhidthemselves，asiffromaspiritofthedead，butthemanant，hewhosefatherMichaelhadhanged，madeathimwithasword，anddealthimagreatblow，cuttingoffhisear。

Butotherswhohadnotfled，andchieflythecure，heldthemananttillhishandswerebound，thathemightnotslayonesofavouredofMadameSt。Catherine。NotthattheyknewofMichael"svow，butitwasplaintothecurethatthemanwasundertheprotectionofHeaven。Michaelthen，beingkindlynursedinahouseofacertainAbbess，waswellnighrecovered，andhisvowwhollyforgotten，whenlo!hebeingalone，oneinvisiblesmotehischeek，sothattheroomrangwiththebuffet，andavoicesaidtohim，"Wiltthouneverrememberthypilgrimage？"Moved，therefore，torepentance，hestolethecure"shorse，andso，journeyingbynighttillhereachedFrance，heaccomplishedhisvows，andwasnowreturnedtoChinon。

ThisMichaelHamiltonwashanged，notverylongafterwards，bycommandoftheDucd"Alencon，forplunderingachurchatJargeau。

ThestoryIhavethoughtitbehovedmetotellinthisplace，becauseitshowshowgoodandmildisMadameSt。CatherineofFierbois，alsolestmemoryofitbelostinScotland，whereitcannotbutbeofgreatcomforttoallgentlemenofMichael"skinandofthenameandhouseofHamilton。Again，ItellitbecauseIhearditatthisveryseasonofmywaitingtoberecoveredofmywound。

Moreover，itisataleofmuchedificationtomen-at-arms，asprovinghowreadyarethesaintstobefriendus，evenbyspeakingasitwerewithhumanvoicestosinfulmen。OfthisImyself，later，hadgoodproof，asshallbetold，whereforeIpraiseandthankthegloriousvirgin，MadameSt。CatherineofFierbois。

ThistalewasthecommontalkinChinon，whichIheardverygladly，takingpleasureinthestrangenessofit。AndinthegoodfortuneoftheMaidIwasyetmorejoyful，bothforherownsakeandforElliot"s，towhomshewassodear。But，formyownpart，theleechesgavemelittlecomfort，sayingthatImightinnomannersetforthwiththerest，forthatIcouldnotenduretomarchonfoot，butmustdiebytheway。

Poorcomfortwasthisforme，whomustlingeringarrisonwhilethefortuneofFrancewasonthecastofthedice，andmyownfortunewastobemadenowornever。SoitchancedthatonedayIwasloiteringinthegateway，watchingthesoldiers，whowereburnishingarmour，sharpeningswords，andallasmerryandbusyasbeesinspring。Thentomecomesmymaster，withagladcountenance，andgladwasI，fortheseeightdaysornineIhadnotidingsofhim，andknewnotifElliothadreturnedfrompilgrimage。Irosetogreethim，andhetookmyhand，biddingmebeofgoodcheer，forthathehadgoodtidings。Butwhathisnewsmightbehewouldnottellme；Imustcomewithhim，hesaid，tohishouse。

Allabouthisdoortherewasmuchconcourseofpeople，andamongthemtwoarchersledagreatblackcharger，fairlycaparisoned，andcoveredwitharichsilkhucqueofcolourcramoisie，adornedwithliliesofsilver。AsImarvelledwhotheridermightbe，conceivingthathewassomegreatlord，thedoorofmymaster"shouseopened，andthere，within，andplaintoview，wasElliotembracingayoungknight；andoverhissilverarmourfellheryellowhair，coveringgorgetandrere-brace。Thenmyheartstoodstill，mylipsopenedbutgavenocry，when，lo!theknightkissedherandcameforth，allinshiningarmour，butunhelmeted。ThenIsawthatthiswasnoknight，buttheMaidherself，bodenineffeirofwar，{23}andsochangedfromwhatshehadbeenthatsheseemedathingdivine。IfSt。Michaelhadsteppeddownfromachurchwindow，leavingthedragonslain，hewouldhavelookednootherwisethanshe，allgleamingwithsteel，andwithgreyeyesfullofpromiseofvictory:

theholyswordgirdledabouther，andalittlebattle-axehangingfromhersaddle-girth。Shesprangonhersteed，fromthemounting-

stonebesidethedoor，andso，wavingherhand，shecriedfarewelltoElliot，thatstoodgazingafterherwithshiningeyes。ThepeoplewentaftertheMaidsomeway，shoutingNoel!andstrivingtokissherstirrup，thearcherslaughing，meanwhile，andbiddingthemyieldway。Andsowecame，humblyenough，intothehouse，where，herfatherbeingpresentandlaughingandthedoorshut，Elliotthrewherarmsaboutmeandweptandsmiledonmybreast。

"Ah，nowImustloseyouagain，"shesaid；whereatIwashalfgladthatsheprizedmeso；halfsorry，forthatIknewImightnotgoforthwiththehost。ThisillnewsIgavethemboth，wenowsittingquietlyinthegreatchamber。

"Nay，thoushaltgo，"saidElliot。"Isitnotso，father？FortheMaidgaveherpromiseereshewenttoPoictiers，andnowsheisfulfillingit。ForthegentleKinghasgivenherahousehold——

pages，andamaitred"hotel，agoodesquire，andthesetwogentlemenwhorodewithherfromVaucouleurs，andanalmoner，BrotherJeanPasquerel，anAugustine，thattheMaid"smothersentwithusfromPuy，forwefoundherthere。AndtheMaidhasappointedyoutogowithher，forthatyoutookherpartwhenmenreviledher。AndmoneyshehascravedfromtheKing；andMessireAymardePuiseux，thatwasyouradversary，istogiveyouagoodhorse，forthatyoumaynotwalk。And，aboveall，theMaidhasdeclaredtomethatshewillbringyoubacktousunscathedofsword，but，forherself，sheshallbewoundedbyanarrowunderOrleans，yetshallshenotdie，butbehealedofthatwound，andshallleadtheKingtohissacringatRheims。Sonow，verily，foryouIhavenofear，butmyheartissorefortheMaid"ssake，andherwound。”

Nonetheless，shemadeasifshewoulddanceforjoy，andIcouldhavedoneasmuch，not，indeed，thatasthenIputmyfaithinprophecies，butforgladnessthatIwastotakemyfortuneinthewars。Sothehourspassedingreatmirthandgoodcheer。Manythingswespokeof，asconcerningthemotheroftheMaid——howwiseshewas，yetinakindofamazement，andnotfreefromfear，whereforesheprayedconstantlyforherchild。

MoreoverElliottoldmethatthejackanapeswasnowhersofright，forthatthewoman，itsowner，hadbeenatPuy，butwithoutherman，andhadsoldittoher，astoagoodmistress，yetwithtearsatparting。Thisnewswasnoneofthegladdesttome，forstillI

fearedthattidingsofusmightcometoBrotherThomas。Howbeit，atlast，withalightheart，thoughIwasleavingElliot，Iwentbacktothecastle。ThereAymardePuiseux，meetingme，mademethebestcountenance，andgavemearightgoodhorse，thatInamedCapdoratafterhim，byhisgoodwill。Andformyarmour，whichmustneedsbelight，theygavemeamaillet——acoatofslendermail，whichdidnotgallmyoldwound。Soaccoutred，Idepartednextday，ingoodcompany，toBlois，whencetheMaidwastosetforthtoOrleans。

Marvelitwastofindtheroadsofullofbestial——oxen，cows，sheep，andswine——allgathered，asiftosomegreatmarket，forthevictuallingofOrleans。ButhowtheyweretobegotthroughtheEnglishlinesintothecitymenknewnot。FortheEnglish，bythistime，hadgirdledthecityallaboutwithgreatbastilles，eachjoinedtootherbysunkenwaysdugintheearth，whereinwerestreets，andmarts，andchamberswithfiresandchimneys，asIhavewritteninmyLatinchronicle。{24}TherefalseFrenchmencame，astoafair，sellingandbuying，withstoreoffood，wine，arms，andthingsofprice，buyingandsellinginsafety，forthecannonandcouleuvrinesinthetowncouldnottouchthem。ButawordranthroughthehosthowtheMaidknew，byinspirationofthesaints，thatnomanshouldsallyforthfromamongtheEnglish，butthatweshouldallpassunharmed。

MeantimethetownofBloiswasingreatturmoil——thecattlelowinginthestreets，thechurchesfulltothedoorsofmen-at-arms，waitingtheirturntobeshrived，fortheMaidhadordainedthatallwhofollowedhermustgocleanofsin。Andtherewasgreatwailingoflighto"loves，andleaguerlassesthathadfollowedthearmy，asiscustom，forthiscustomtheMaiddidaway，anddrovethesewomenforth，andwhithertheywanderedIknownot。Moreover，shemadeproclamationthatalldice，andtabliers，andinstrumentsofgamblingmustbeburned，andmyselfsawthegreatpileyetsmokinginthepublicplace，forthiswastobeaholywar。SowelodgedatBlois，wheretheMaidshowedmethebestcountenance，speakingfavourablewordsofElliotandme，andbiddingmekeepnearherbannerinbattle，whichIneedednotellingtomakemeresolvetodo。Sothere，forthatnight，werested。

CHAPTERXII——HOWTHEMAIDCAMETOORLEANS，ANDOFTHEDOLOROUS

STROKETHATFIRSTSHESTRUCKINWAR

Concerningthewaysofthesaints，andtheirholycounsel，itisnotforsinfulmentodebate，butverifytheirwaysarenotasourways，asshallpresentlybeshown，inthematteroftheMaid"smarchtoOrleans。

ForthetownofBlois，wherenowwelay，is，asallmenknow，ontherightbankofthewaterofLoire，agreatriver，wideranddeeperandstrongerbyfarthanourTayorTweed，andthetownofOrleans，whitherwewerebound，isalsoonthesameside，namely，therightsideoftheriver。Now，Orleanswasbeleagueredinthismanner:

Thegreatstonebridgehadbeenguarded，ontheleft，orfurthersideofthestream，firstbyaboulevard，orstrongkeepontheland，whencebyadrawbridgemencrossedtoayetstrongerkeep，called"LesTourelles，"buildedonthelastarchesofthebridge。

ButearlyinthesiegetheEnglishhadtakenfromthemofOrleanstheboulevardandLesTourelles，andanarchofthebridgehadbeenbroken，sothatinnowisemightmen-at-armsofthepartyofFranceenterintoOrleansbywayofthatbridgefromtheleftbankthroughthecountrycalledSologne。

Yetthatkeep，LesTourelles，hadnotbeenaluckyprizetoourenemiesofEngland。Fortheirgreatcaptain，theLordSalisbury，hadacustomtowatchthemofOrleansandtheirartilleryfromawindowinthattower，and，toguardhimfromarrow-shots，hehadagoldenshieldpiercedwithlittleholestolookthrough，thatheheldbeforehisface。OnedayhecameintothisturretwhentheywhoworkedthegunsinOrleanswereallattheirmeat。Butitsochancedthattwoboys，playingtruantfromschool，wentintoanicheofthewall，wherewasacannonloadedandaimedatLesTourelles。

They，seeingthegleamofthegoldenshieldatthewindowoftheturret，setmatchtothetouch-holeofthecannon，and，asHeavenwouldhaveit，theballstruckasplinterofstonefromthesideofthewindow，which，breakingthroughthegoldenshield，slewmyLordofSalisbury，agoodknight。ThusplainlythattowerwastobeoflittlecomforttotheEnglish。

Nonetheless，astheyheldLesTourellesandtheouterlandwardboulevardthereof，theEnglishbuiltbutfewworksontheleftsideoftheriver，namely，ChampSt。Prive，thatguardedtheroadbytheleftbankfromBlois；LesAugustins，thatwasalittleinlandfromtheboulevardofLesTourelles，sothatnoenemymightpassbetweenthesetwoholds；andSt。JeanleBlanc，thatwashigheruptheriver，andaholdofnogreatstrength。OntheOrleansside，toguardtheroadfromBurgundy，theEnglishhadbutonefort，St。

Loup，forBurgundyandthenorthwereoftheirpart，andbythiswaytheyexpectednoenemy。ButallaboutOrleans，ontherightbankoftheriver，tokeepthepathfromBloisonthathand，theEnglishhadbuildedmanygreatbastilles，andhadjoinedthembyhollowways，wherein，asIsaid，theylivedatease，asmeninasecurecityunderground。Andtheskillofitwastostopconvoysoffood，andstarvethemofOrleans，fortotakethetownbyopenforcetheEnglishmightinnowiseavail，theybeingbutsomefourthousandmen-at-arms。

ThusMattersstood，anditwastheMaid"smindtomarchhermenandallthecattlecleanthroughandpasttheEnglishbastillesontherightsideoftheriver，andbyinspirationshewellknewthatnomanwouldcomeforthagainstus。Moreover，shesawnothow，bytheotherway，andtheleftbank，thecattlemightbeferriedacross，andthegreatcompanyofmen-at-arms，intoOrleanstown，undertheartilleryoftheEnglish。FortheEnglishheldthepassofthebrokenbridge，asIsaid，andthereforeallcrossingofthewatermustbebyboat。

Now，hereinitwasshown，asoftenagain，thatthewaysofthesaintsarenotasourways。Forthecaptains，namely，theSieurdeRais(whoafterwardscametotheworstendamanmight)，andLaHire，andAmbroisedeLore，andDeGaucourt，inconcertwiththeBastardofOrleans，thencommandingfortheKinginthattown，gavethesimpleMaidtounderstandthatOrleanswasontheleftbankoftheriver。Thistheydid，becausetheywerefaithlessandslowofbelief，andfearedthatsogreatacompanyasoursmightinnowisepassMeunandBeaugency，townsoftheEnglish，andconveysomanycattlethroughthebastillesontherightbank。Therefore，withmanypriestsgoingbefore，singingtheVeniCreator，withholybannersasonapilgrimage；withmen-at-arms，archers，pages，andtrainsofcarts；andwithbullocksrowtingbeneaththegoad，andswinethatareveryhardtodrive，andslow-footedsheep，weallcrossedthebridgeofBloisonthemorningofApril25th。

Now，hadtheholysaintsdeemeditwiseandforourgoodtoactasmendo，verilytheywouldhavespokentotheMaid，tellingherthatwewereallgoingcleancontrarytohercounsel。Nevertheless，thesaintsheldtheirpeace，andletusmarchon。BeliketheydesignedthatthisshouldturntothegreatergloryoftheMaidandtotheconfusionofthemthatdisbelieved，whichpresentlybefell，asI

shallrelate。

Allonedayofspringwerode，andsleptbeneaththestars，theMaidlyinginherarmour，sothatasonelatertoldmewhoknew，namely，Elliot，herbodywassorelybruisedwithherharness。Earlyinthemorningwemountedagain，andsorodenorth，fetchingacompassinland；afternoontidewecametoaheight，andlo!beneathuslaytheEnglishbastillesandholdsontheleftbank，and，beyondtheglitteringriverandthebrokenbridge，thetowersandwallsofOrleans。ThenIsawtheMaidinanger，forwellsheknewthatshehadbeendeceivedbythemwhoshouldhaveguidedher。BetweenusandthetownofOrleanslaythewideriver，thebrokenbridge，andthecampsoftheEnglish。Onthefurthershorewebeheldthepeopleswarmingonthewallsandquays，labouringtolaunchboatswithsails，andsopurposingtoascendtheriveragainstthestreamandmeetustwoleaguesbeyondtheEnglishlines。Butthistheymightnotdo，forastrongwindwasblowingdownstream，andalltheirvesselswereindisarray。

TheMaidspurredtothefront，wherewereDeRais，Lore，Kennedy，andLaHire。Wecouldseeherpointingwithherstaff，andhearspeechhighandangry，butthewordswecouldnothear。Thecaptainslookeddowncast，aschildrencaughtinafault，andwelltheymight，forwewerenowasfaroffvictuallingOrleansaseverwehadbeen。TheMaidpointedtotheEnglishkeepatSt。JeanleBlanc，onoursideofthewater，and，asitseems，wasfaintoattackit；buttheEnglishhaddrawnofftheirmentothestrongerplacesonthebridge，andtoholdSt。JeanleBlancagainstthem，ifwetookit，wehadnostrength。Soweevenwended，fromtheheightofOlivet，forsixlongmiles，tillwereachedthestreamoppositeChecy，wherewasanisland。Arowing-boat，withaknightinglitteringarms，waspulledacrossthestream，andtheMaid，inhereagerness，spurredhersteeddeepintothewatertomeethim。Hewasayoungman，brownofvisage，hardyandfierce，andonhisshieldboretheliliesofOrleans，crossedwithabatonsinister。

HebowedlowtotheMaid，whocried-

"AreyoutheBastardofOrleans？"

"Iam，"hesaid，"andrightgladofyourcoming。”

"WasityouwhogavecounselthatIshouldcomebythisbank，andnotbytheotherside，andsostraightagainstTalbotandtheEnglish？"

Shespokeasamastertoafaultygroom，fierceandhigh，andtohearherwasmarvel。

"I，andwisermenthanI，gavethatcounsel，"saidhe，"deemingthiscoursethesurer。”

"NomDieu!"shecried。"ThecouncilofMessireissaferandwiserthanyours。”Shepointedtotherudestream，runningroughandstrong，agreatgalefollowingwithit，sothatnosailing-boatsmightcomefromthetown。"Youthoughttobeguileme，andareyourselvesbeguiled，forIbringyoubettersuccourthanevercametoknightortown——thehelpoftheKingofHeaven。”