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。ForseeingthattheMaidherselfwasvowedasmendeemedtovirginity，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。ButifIbeofanyavailastheydeeminthehealingofhearts，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。
TherecameatthisseasontoChinonfromFierboiswheretheMaid\'sswordwasfoundbymiracleaScottisharcher，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，hethoughnotcommonlypiousbeyondthewontofmen-at-armsvowedinhishearttomakeapilgrimagetoFierbois，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，theSieurdeRaiswhoafterwardscametotheworstendamanmight，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。”