\"YouwillnotrideintoRoueninEnglishguise？Theywillstraightwayhangyouforaspy，andthereinislittlehonour。”
\"Mypurposeissomedealsubtler，\"Isaid，withalaugh，\"butletmekeepmyowncounsel。”
\"Sobeit，\"saidhe，\"awilfulmanmusthavehisway。AndnowI
drinktoyourbetterwisdom，andmayyouescapethatropeonwhichyourheartseemstobeset!\"
Igraspedhishandonit，andbypointofdaywewereridingoutseawards。Wemadeanonslaughtonavillage，burnedahouseortwain，andseizedcertainwainsofhay，so，intheconfusion，I
slippedforward，androdealoneintoalittlewood。ThereIcladmyselfinEnglishguise，havingcarriedthegearinawalletonmysaddle-bow，andsopushedon，tillatnightfallIcametoacertainlittlefishing-village。There，undercoverofthedark，I
covenantedwithafishermantosetmeacrosstheChannel，IfeigningtobeadeserterwhowasfleeingfromtheEnglisharmy，forfearoftheMaid。
\"IwouldwellthatIhadtocarryallthesortofyou，\"saidtheboat-master，forIhadofferedhimmyhorse，andagreatrewardinmoney，partdown，andtheotherparttobepaidwhenIsetfootinEngland。Nordidhemakeanytarrying，but，takinghisnetsonboard，asifhewouldbeabouthislawfulbusiness，setsail，withhistwosonsforacrew。Theeastwindservedustoamiracle，and，afterasfairapassageasmightbe，theylandedmeundercloudofnightnotfarfromthegreatportofWinchelsea。
ThatnightIsleptnone，butwalkingfastandwarily，undercoverofafog，Ifetchedacompassabout，andendedbywalkingintothetownofRyebytheroadfromthenorth。HereIwentstraighttothebestinnoftheplace，andcallingaloudforbreakfast，Ibadethedrawerbringminehosttomeinstantly。For，atLouviers，weweresowellservedbyspies，thecountrysidingwithusratherthanwiththeEnglish，thatIknewhowacompanyoftheEarlofWarwick\'smenwaslookedforinWinchelseatosailwhentheyhadafairwindforRouen。
MinehostcametomeinaservileEnglishfashion，andaskedmewhatIwould？
\"First，ahorse，\"saidI，\"forminedroppeddeadlastnight，tenmileshenceonthenorthroad，inyourmarshes，Goddamnthem，andyoumayseebymyrustyspurandmirybootthatIhavewalkedfar。
Here，\"Icried，pullingoffmyboots，andflingingthemdownontherushesofthefloor，\"bidoneofyourvarletscleanthem!Next，breakfast，andapotofyourale；andthenIshallseewhatmannerofhorsesyoukeep，forImustneedsridetoWinchelsea。”
\"YouwouldjointhemenunderthebannerofSirThomasGreyofFalloden，Imakenodoubt？\"heanswered。\"YourspeechsmacksoftheNorthernparts，andthegoodknightcomesfromnolongwaysouthoftheborder。Hismenrodethroughourtownbutfewdaysagone。”
\"Andmetheyleftbehindontheway，\"Ianswered，\"soevilismyluckinhorse-flesh。Butforthisblessedwindoutoftheeastthathindersthem，myhonourwereundone。”
Mytalewasnottoohardofbelief，andbeforenoonIwasonmywaytoWinchelsea，astoutnagenoughbetweenmylegs。
Thefirstman-at-armswhomImetIhailed，biddinghimleadmestraighttoSirThomasGreyofFalloden。\"What，youwouldtakeservice？\"heasked，inaCumberlandburrthatIknewwell，forindeeditcamereadyenoughonmyowntongue。
\"Yea，bySt。Cuthbert，\"Ianswered，\"forontheMarchesnothingstirs；moreover，Ihaveslainaman，andfledmyowncountry。”
WiththathebadeGoddamnhissoulifIwerenotagoodfellow，andsoledmestraighttothelodgingsoftheknightunderwhosecoloursheserved。TohimItoldthesametale，addingthatIhadheardlateofhislevyingofhismen，otherwiseIhadriddentojoinhimathissettingforth。
\"Youhaveseenwar？\"heasked。
\"OnlyaWarden\'sraidortwain，onthemoss-troopingScotsofLiddesdale。BranxholmeIhaveseeninablaze，andhavefacedfireattheCastleoftheHermitage。”
\"YouspeakthetongueoftheNorthernparts，\"hesaid；\"areyounoble？\"
\"ApoorcousinoftheStoreysofNetherby，\"Ianswered，whichwastrueenough；andwhenhequestionedmeaboutmykin，IshowedhimthatIkneweverynameandscutcheonoftheline，mymotherhavinginstructedmeinallsuchloreofherfamily。{38}
\"Andwhereforecomeyouherealone，andinsuchplight？\"
\"Byreasonofasword-strokeatStainishawbankFair，\"Iansweredboldly。
\"Faith，then，Iseenocausewhy，asyourwillissogood，youshouldnotsoonhaveyourbellyfulofsword-strokes。For，whenoncewehaveburnedthatlimbofthedevil，thePuzel\"forsotheEnglishcalltheMaid，\"weshallshortlydrivetheseforsworndogs，theFrench，backbeyondtheLoire。”
Ifeltmyfacereddeningattheseillwords，soIstooped，asiftoclearmyspurofmire。
\"Shortlyshallshetastethetar-barrel，\"Ianswered，whereathesworeandlaughed；then，callingaclerk，badehimwritemyindenture，asistheEnglishmanner。Thus，thankstomynorthernEnglishtongue，forwhichIwassorebeatenbytheotherboyswhenI
wasaboymyself，beholdmeaman-at-armsofKingHenry，andsomuchofmyenterprisewasachieved。
Imakenoboastofvalour，andindeedIgreatlyfearedformyneck，bothnowandlater。Formyriskwasthatsomeoneofthemen-at-
armsinRouen，whitherwewerebound，shouldhaveseenmyfaceeitheratOrleans，atPariswhereIwasunhelmeted，orinthetakingoftheBastilleatCompiegne。Yetmyvisorwasdown，bothatOrleansandCompiegne，andofthosefewwhomarkedmeingirl\'sgearinParisnonemightchancetomeetmeatRouen，ortoremembermeinchangedgarments。SoIputaboldbrowonit，forbettermightnotbe。NonecursedthePuzelmoreloudlythanI，and，withoutfeigning，nonelongedsosorelyasIforafairwindtoFrance，whereforeIwasevergoingaboutWinchelseawithmyheadintheair，gazingattheweather-cocks。And，asfortunewouldhaveit，thewindwentabout，andweonboard，andwithnolongdelaywereatRouentown。
CHAPTERXXXI——HOWNORMANLESLIESAWTHEMAIDINHERPRISON
OnarrivinginthetownofRouen，threethingsweremychiefcare，whereofthesecondhelpedmeinthethird。ThefirstwastobelodgedasnearasImighttothecastle，whereintheMaidlay，beingchainedsofellwasthecrueltyoftheEnglishtoherbed。Thenextmatterwastopurveymethreehorsesofthefleetest。Heremyfortuneservedmewell，fortheyoungesquiresandpageswouldeverberidingracesoutsideofthegates，theybeinginnofearofwar，andthetimetilltheMaidwasburnedhungheavyontheirhands。I
therefore，followingthemanneroftheEnglishMarchmen，thrustmyselfforwardinthesesports，andwouldchangehorses，givingmoneytoboot，foranythatoutranmyown。MymoneyIspentwithaveryfreehand，bothinwagersandinfeastingmen-at-arms，sothatIwastakentobeagoodfellow，andIwillinglyletmanymaketheirprofitofme。Intheend，Ihadthreehorsesthat，withalightriderinthesaddle，couldbecaughtbynoneinthewholegarrisonofRouen。
Thirdly，Iwasmostsedulousinallduty，andsowonthefavourofSirThomasGrey，theratherthathecountedcousinswithme，andreckonedthatwewereofsomefar-offkindred，whereinhespokethetruth。Thus，partlyforourcommonblood，partlyforthatIwaseverreadyatcall，andforwardtodohiswill，andpartlybecausenonecouldcarryamessageswifter，oradventurefurthertospyoutanybandsoftheFrench，hekeptmeclosetohim，andtrustedmeashisgalloper。Nay，hegaveme，onoccasion，hissignet，toopenthetowngateswhensoeverhewouldsendmeonanyerrand。Moreover，themannoblebybirth，butbasebybreedingwhohadthechiefchargeandcustodyoftheMaid，wasthebrother\'ssonofSirThomas。HehadtonameJohnGrey，andwasanesquireofthebodyoftheEnglishKing，Henry，thenaboy。Thismiscreantitwasoftenmyfortunetomeet，athisuncle\'stable，andtohearhispitilessandcruelspeech。Yet，makingfriends，asScripturecommandsus，oftheMammonofunrighteousness，IsetmyselftowintheaffectionofJohnGreybylaughingathisjestsanddoinghimwhatserviceImight。
OnceortwiceIdroppedtohimawordofmygreatdesiretoseethefamedPuzel，forthetrialsthathadbeenheldinopenhallwerenowdoneinthedungeon，whereonlythebishop，thedoctorsoflaw，andthenotariesmighthearthem。Hernoblebearing，indeed，andwiseanswerswhichwereplainlyputintohermouthbytheSaints，forshewassimpleandignoranthadgainedmen\'shearts。
Oneday，theytoldme，anEnglishlordhadcried——\"Thebravelass，pitysheisnotEnglish。”FortotheEnglishalltherestofGod\'searthisasNazareth，outofwhichcancomenogoodthing。ThusnonemightseetheMaid，and，onceandagain，IletfallawordinJohnGrey\'searconcerningmydesiretolookonherinprison。I
daredmakenoshowofeagerness，thoughnowthemonthofMayhadcome，whichwasbothhergoodandillmonth。ForinMayshefirstwenttoVaucouleursandprophesied，inMayshedeliveredOrleans，andinMayshewastakenatCompiegne。WhereforeIdeemed，asmenwill，thatinMaysheshouldescapeherprison，orinMayshoulddie。Moreover，onthefirstdayofMarchtheyhadaskedher，mockingher-
\"Shaltthoubedelivered？\"
Andshehadanswered-
\"Askmeonthisdaythreemonths，andIshalldeclareittoyou。”
TheEnglish，knowingthis，madeallhastetoendherereMayended，whereforeIhadthemoreoccasionforspeed。
Now，onacertainday，beingMaytheeighth，theheartofJohnGreywasmerrywithinhim。Hehadwelldrunk，andIhadlethimwinofme，atthedice，thatoneofmythreehorseswhichmosthecoveted。
Hethenstruckmeinfriendlyfashionontheback，andcried-
\"Anunluckydayforthee，andforEngland。Thisveryday，twoyearsagone，thatlimbofthedevildroveusbyhersorceriesfrombeforeOrleans。Butto-morrow——\"andhelaughedgrosslyinhisbeard。
\"Storey，youareagoodfellow，thoughafoolatthedice。”
\"Faith，Ihavemetmymaster，\"Isaid。\"ButthelessonyougavemewasworthbaySalkeld，\"forsoIhadnamedmyhorse，afteragreatEnglishhouseontheBorderwhodwellattheCastleofCorby。
\"Iwilldotheeagoodturn，\"hesaid。\"YoucravetoseethisPuzel，eretheyputonherthehighwitch\'scapforherhellwardjourney。”
\"Ishouldlikeitnotill，\"Isaid；\"itweresomethingtotellmygrandchildren，whenallFranceisEnglishland。”
\"Thenyoushallseeher，forthisisyourlastchancetoseeherwhole。”
\"Whatmeanyou，fairsir？\"Iasked，whilemyheartgaveaturninmybody，andIputoutmyhandtoagreattankardofwine。
\"To-morrowthecharityoftheChurchhathresolvedthatsheshallbehadintothetorture-chamber。”
Isetmylipstothetankard，anddranklong，tohidemyface，andforthatIwasnighswooningwithapassionoffearandwrath。
\"ThankstoSt。George，\"Isaid，\"theendisnigh!\"
\"Theendofthetankard，\"quothhe，lookingintoit，\"hathalreadycome。YoudrinklikeamanoftheLandDebatable。”
YetIwasinsuchcasethat，thoughbycustomIdrinklittle，thegreatdraughttouchednotmybrain，anddidbutgivemeheart。
\"YoumightchallengeatskinkingthatgreatDanishknightwhowaswithusunderOrleans，SirAndrewHaggardwashisname，andhisbearingswere……\"{39}
Sohewasrunningon，forhehimselfhaddrunkmorethanhisshare，whenIbroughthimbacktomymatter。
\"ButastouchingthisPuzel，howmayIhavemyviewofher，thatyougraciouslyofferedme？\"
\"Mymenchangeguardatcurfew，\"hesaid；\"fivecomeoutandfivegoin，andIshallbidthemseekyouhereatyourlodgings。Sonow，farewell，andyourrevengewiththediceyoushallhavewhensoyouwill。”
\"Nay，pardonmeonemoment:whenrelieveyoutheguardthatentersatcurfew？\"
\"Anhourafterpointofday。But，nowIbethinkme，youscarcewillcaretopassallthenightinthePuzel\'scompany。Hastthoupaperorparchment？\"
Isetpaperandinkbeforehim，whosaid-
\"Nay，writeyourself；Iamnogreatclerk，yetIcansignandseal。”
Therewith，athiswording，IsetdownanordertotheCastleportertoletmeforthasearlyinthenightasIwould。Thispasshesignedwithhisname，andsealedwithhisring，bearinghisarms。
\"SoIwishyoujoyofthistrystandbonnefortune，\"hesaid，anddeparted。
Ihadtwohoursbeforemeerecurfewrang，andthetimewasmorethanIneeded。ThereforeIwentfirsttotheChurchofSt。Ouen，whichisverygreatandfair，andtherecleanconfessedme，andmademyorisonsthat，ifitwereGod\'swill，thisenterprisemightturntoHishonour，andtothesalvationoftheMaid。AndpitifullyI
besoughtMadameSt。CatherineofFierbois，thatasshehaddeliveredme，asinner，shewoulddelivertheSisteroftheSaints。
NextIwentbacktomylodgings，andtherebadethehostlertohavemytwobeststeedssaddledandbridledinstall，bypointofday，foracouncilwasbeingheldthatnightintheCastle，andIandanotherofSirThomas\'scompanymightbesentearlywithamessagetotheBishopofAvranches。Thisholyman，asthen，wasacauseoftroubleanddelaytotheRegentandPierreCauchon，BishopofBeauvais，becausehewasjust，andfellnotinwiththeirtreasons。
NextIcladmyselfindoubleraiment，doubletabovedoublet，andhoseoverhose，mydoubletsbearingtheredcrossofSt。George。
OverallIthrewagreatmantle，fallingtothefeet，asifIfearedthenightchills。ThereafterImadeafaircopyofmyownwritinginthepassgiventomebyJohnGrey，andcopiedhissignaturealso，andfeignedhissealwithasealofclay，foritmightchancethattwopassesprovedbetterthanone。ThenIputinalittlewallethangingtomygirdlethesignetofSirThomasGrey，andthepassgiventomebyJohnGrey，alsoanink-hornwithpenandpaper，andinmyhand，secretly，IheldthatphialwhichIhadboughtoftheapothecaryinTours。AllmygoldandjewelsIhidaboutmybody；I
sharpenedmyswordanddagger，andthenhadnomoretodobutwaittillcurfewrang。
Thiswastheweariestpartofall；forwhat，Ithought，ifJohnGreyhadforgottenhispromise，thewinebeingabouthiswits。ThereforeIwalkedhitherandthitherinmychamber，inmuchmisdoubt；butatthechimeofcurfewIheardrudevoicesbelow，andaheavysteponthestairs。Itwasaman-at-armsofthebasestsort，who，lurchingwithhisshoulderagainstmydoor，camein，andsaidthatheandhisfellowswaitedmypleasure。ThereonIshowedhimthebestcountenance，andbademyhostfillapannierwithmeatandcakesandwine，topassthehoursintheprisonmerrily。Imyselfrandownintothehost\'scellar，andwasverybusyintastingwine，forI
wouldhavethebest。Andinmakingmychoice，whilethehoststoopedoveracasktodrawafreshtankard，Ipouredallthedrugsofmyphialintoalargepewtervesselwithalid，filleditwithwine，and，tastingit，sworeitwouldservemyturn。Thisflagon，suchaswecalla\'tappithen\'inmycountry，butfargreater，I
borewithmeupthecellarstairs，andgaveittooneoftheguard，biddinghimspillnotadrop，orheshouldgothirsty。
Thelourdaud，thatwastheircaptain，carriedthepannier，and，laughing，wecrossedthestreetandthemoat，givingtheword\"Bedford。”TotheporterIshowedmypass，tellinghimthat，thoughIwasloathtodisturbhim，Icountednottowatchallnightinthecell，whereforeIgavehimagoldpieceforthetroublehemighthaveinlettingmegoforthatanhouruntimely。Herewithhewaswellcontent，andso，passingthewordtothesentinelateachpost，weentered。
Andnow，indeed，myheartbeatsothatmybodyseemedtoshakewithhopeandfearasIwalked。AtthedoorofthechamberwhereintheMaidlaywemetherguardscomingforth，whocriedroughly，biddinghergoodeven，andtothinkwellofwhatwaitedher，meaningthetorments。Theytumbleddownthestairslaughing，whilewewentin，andIlast。Itwasadarkvaultedchamberwithonewindowneartheroof，narrowandheavilybarred。Intherecessbythewindowwasabrazierburning，andcastingasmuchshadowaslightbyreasonofthesmoke。Herealsowasarudetable，stainedwithfoulcirclesofpot-rims，andtherewerefiveorsixstools。Onaweightyoakenbedlayoneinman\'sraiment，blackinhue，herfacedownwards，andherarmsspreadoverherneck。Itcouldscarcebethatsheslept，butshelaylikeonedead，onlyshudderingwhenthelourdaud，thecaptainoftheguard，smoteherontheshoulder，asking，inEnglish，howshedid？
\"Heresheis，sir，surlyasever，andpoorcompanyforChristianmen。Seeyouhowcunninglyallherlimbsaregyved，andchainedtotheironboltsofthebed？WhatwouldmyladyJeannegivemeforthislittlemaster-key？\"
Hereheshowedaslenderkey，hungonasteelchainabouthisneck。
\"Neverasaintofthethree，Michael，Margaret，andCatherine，cantakethisfromme；nay，northedevilswhoweartheirforms。”
\"Haveyouseenthisfaircompanyofhers？\"IwhisperedinEnglish，crossingmyself。
\"Nomorethanshesawthewhiteladythatgoeswiththatotherwitch，CatherineofLaRochelle。But，sir，sheissullen；itishermanner。Withyourgoodleave，shallwesup？\"
Thiswasmyowndesire，soputtingthepannieronthetable，I
carvedthemeatwithmydagger，andpouredoutthewineincups，andtheyfellto，beinghungry，asEnglishmenareatalltimes。Theyroaredovertheirmeat，eatinglikewolvesanddrinkinglikefishes，andonewouldsingalewdsong，andtheothersstrikeinwiththeover-word，butdrinkingwastheirmainavail。
\"Thisisbetterstuff，\"saysthelourdaud，\"thanourEnglishale。
Faith，\'tisstrong，mylads!Wakeup，Jenkin；wakeup，Hal，\"andthenheroaredasnatch，butstopped，lookingdrowsilyabouthim。
ObrothersinChrist，whohearthistale，rememberyethat，fornowfourmonthsandmore，thecleanestsoulinChristenty，andthechastestlady，andofmannersthenoblest，hadenduredthiscompanybynightandbyday!
\"Nay，wakeup，\"Icried；\"yearedullrevellers；whatsayyetothedice？\"
TherewithIsetoutmytablierandthedice。ThenIfilledupthecupafresh，pretendingtodrink，andlaidonthefoultableagreatshiningheapofgold。TheirdulleyesshonelikethemetalwhenI
said-
\"Myselfwillbejudgeandumpire；playye，honestfellows，forI
cravenogainsfromyou。Only，acupforluck!\"
Theycampedatthetable，allthefiveofthem，andsomewhiletheirgreedkeptthemwakeful，andtheycalledthemains，buttheirdroughtkeptthemdrinking。And，onebyone，theirheadsfellheavyonthetable，ortheysprawledontheirstools，andsosankontothefloor，sopotentwerethepoppyandmandragoraoftheleechinTours。
Atlasttheywereallsoundonsleep，oneman\'shandyetclutchingapileofmygoldthatnowandagainwouldslipforthandjingleonthestonefloor。
Nowallthistimeshehadneverstirred，butlayasshehadlain，herfacedownwards，herarmsaboveherneck。
StealthilyItookthechainandthekeyfromabouttheneckofthesleepinglourdaud，andthendrewnearherontiptoe。
Ilistened，and，fromherbreathing，Ibelievethatsheslept，asextremelabourandwearinessandsorrowdosometimesbringtheirownremede。
Thenathoughtcameintomymind，howIshouldbestawakeher，andstooping，Isaidinherear-
\"FilleDe!\"
Instantlysheturnedabout，and，sittingup，foldedherhandsasoneinprayer，deeming，belike，thatshewasarousedbythevoicesofherSaints。Ikneeleddownbesidethebed，andwhispered——\"Madame，Jeanne，lookonmyface!\"
Shegazedonme，andnowIsawherbraveface，wearyandthinandwhite，and，greaterthanofold，thegreatgreyeyes。
\"Isaidonce，\"camehersweetvoice，\"thatthoualoneshouldststandbymewhenallhadforsakenme。FairSaints，doIdreambutadream？\"
\"Nay，Madame，\"Isaid，\"thouwakestanddostnotdream。Onehassentmewholovesthee，evenmyladyElliot；andnowlisten，forthetimeisshort。See，hereIhavethemaster-key，andwhenIhaveunlockedthybonds……\"
\"Thouhastnotslainthesemen？\"sheasked。\"Thatweredeadlysin。”
\"Nay，theydobutsleep，andwillwakenbelikeerethefreshguardcomes，whereforewemustmakehaste。”
\"WhenIhavefreedthee，doonthybody，abovethyraiment，thisdoubletofmine，foritcarriesthecrossofEngland，and，Ibeingoflittlestature，youmaywellpassforme。Moreover，thiscloakanditshood，whichIworewhenIcamein，willcoverthee。Then，whenthougoestforthgivetheword\"Bedford\"tothesentinels；and，totheporterinthegate，showthiswrittenpassofJohnGrey\'s。
Heknowsitalready，havingseenitthisnight。Next，whenthouartwithoutthecastle，faretothehostelrycalled\"TheRoseandApple，\"whichisnearestthecastlegate，andsostraightintothestable，wherestandtwosteeds，saddledandbridled。Choosetheblack，heistheswifter。Ifthehostlerbeawake，heexpectsme，andwilltaketheeforme；mount，withnoword，andridetotheeasternport。ThereshowtothegatewardthissignetofSirThomasGrey，andhewillupwithportcullisanddownwithdrawbridge，forhehasoftendonenolessformeandthatsignet。
\"Then，Madame，rideforLouviers，andyoushallbreakyourfastwiththeBastardandLaHire。”Herwhitefacechangedtored，likethemorninglight，asonthatdayatOrleans，beforeshetookLesTourelles。
Thentheflushfaded，andshegrewashenpale，whileshesaid-
\"Butthou，howshaltthougetforth？\"
\"Madame，\"Isaid，\"fearnotforme。Iwillfollowafterthee，andshamethesleepyportertobelievethathehasdreamedadream。AndIhavewrittenthisotherpass，onseeingwhichhewillneedscreditme，beingadrowse，and，moreover，Iwillpayhimwell。AndIshallbeatthestableassoonalmostasthou，andIhavetoldthehostlerthatbelikeIshallridewithafriend，carryingamessagetotheBishopofAvranches。ForIhavebeguiledtheEnglishtobelievemeoftheirparty，asMadameJudithwroughttothetyrantHolofernes。”
\"Nay，\"sheansweredsimply，\"thismaynotbe。Eveniftheporterweretobeboughtorbeguiled，thoucouldstnotpassthesentinels。
Itmaynotbe。”
\"Thesentinels，belike，aresleeping，orwellnighsleeping，andI
haveadagger。OMadame!forthesakeofthefortuneofFrance，andthehonouroftheKing\"——forthis，Iknew，wasmysuresthope——
\"delaynot，norreckatallofme。Ihavebutonelife，anditisthinefreely。”
\"Theywillburnthee，orslaytheewithothertorments。”
\"Notso，\"Isaid；\"Ishallnotbetakenalive。”
\"Thatweredeadlysin，\"sheanswered。\"Ishallnotgoandleavetheetodieforme。Thenweremyhonourlost，andIcouldnotenduretolive。Entreatmenot，forIwillnotgoforth，asnow。
Naymore，ItelltheeasIhavetoldmyjudges，thatwhichtheSaintshavespokentome。\'Bearthisthymartyrdomgently，\'theysay，\'tut\'enviendrasenroyaumeduParadis。\'Moreover，thisI
know，thatIamtobedeliveredwithgreatvictory!\"
Heresheclaspedherhands，lookingupwards，andherfacewasasthefaceofanangel。
\"Fairvictoryitweretoleavetheeinmyplace，andsomakeliarsofmybrethrenofParadise。”
Then，alas!IknewthatIwasofnomoreavailtomoveher；yetonelastartItried。
\"Madame，\"Isaid，\"IhaveprayedyouinthenameofthefortuneofFrance，andthehonouroftheKing，whichistarnishedforeverifyouescapenot。”
\"Ishallbedelivered，\"sheanswered。
\"Iprayyouinthedearnameofyourladymother，MadameduLys。”
\"Ishallbedelivered，\"shesaid，\"andwithgreatvictory!\"
\"NowIpraytheeinmyownname，andinthatofthyfirstfriend，mylady。ShehasmadeavowtogivehervirginitytoHeavenunlesseitherthouartsetfree，orshehavetidingsfromtheethatthouwillesthertowedme，withoutwhomIhavenodesiretolive，butfarratherthisverynighttoperish。ForIamcleanconfessed，withinthesesixhours，knowingthatIwasliketobeinsomejeopardy。”
\"Then，\"shesaid，smilingsweetly，andsigningthatIshouldtakeherhand——\"Thenlive，NormanLeslie，forthisistomeaneasythingandajoyous。Thouartaclerk，hastthouwherewithaltowrite？\"
\"Yes，Madame，hereinmywallet。”
\"ThenwriteasItellthee:-
\"JHESUMARIA\"
\"\'I，JehannelaPucelle，sendfromprisonhereinRouenmytidingsoflovetoElliotHume，myfirstfriendamongwomen，andbidher，formysake，wedhimwholovesher，NormanLeslieofPitcullo，myfaithfulservant，prayingthatallhappinessmaygowiththem。Inwitnesswhereto，myhandbeingguidedtowrite，Isetmyname，JehannelaPucelle，thisninthdayofMay，intheyearFourteenhundredandthirty-one。\'
\"Soguidemyhand，\"shesaid，takingthepenfrommyfingers；andthusguided，whilemytearsfellonherhand，shewroteJEHANNELA
PUCELLE。
\"Now，\"quothshe，smilingasofold，\"wemustsealthismissive。
Cutoffonelockofmyhairwithyourdagger，formylastgifttomyfirstfriend，andmakethesealallorderly。”
Ididasshebade，and，bringingalightedstickfromthebrazier，I
meltedwax。Then，whenitwassmooth，shelaidonittwohairsfromthelittlesunderedlockaswassometimeshercustom，andbademesealwithmyownsignet，andputthebriefinmywallet。
\"Now，allisdone，\"shesaid。
\"Nay，nay，\"Isaid，\"todiefortheeismoretomethantoliveinlove。Ah，nay，goforth，Ibeseechthee!\"
\"WithvictoryshallIgoforth，andnowIlaymylastcommandsonthelastofallmyservants。IfinaughtIhaveeveroffendedthee，inwordordeed，forgiveme!\"
Icouldbutbowmyhead，forIwasweeping，thoughhereyesweredry。
\"Andso，farewell，\"shesaid-
\"Asthouartlealandtrue，begone；itismyorder，andmakenotarrying。To-morrowIhavemuchtodo，andneedsmustIsleepwhilethesemenarequiet。SaytothyladythatIloveherdearly，andbidherhope，asIalsohope。Farewell!\"
Shemovedherthinhand，whichIkissed，kneeling。
Againshesaid\"Farewell，\"andturnedherbackonmeasifshewouldsleep。
ThenIhungthechainandkeyagainontheneckofthelourdaud；I
putsomeofthefallencoinsinthemen\'spouches，butbestowedthediceandtablierinmywallet。Iopenedthedoor，andwentforth，notlookingback；andsofromthecastle，showingmypass，andgivingtheporteranothercoin。ThenIwenthome，inthesweetdawnofMay，andcastingmyselfonmybed，Iweptbitterly，forto-daysheshouldbetormented。
OftherestIhavenomindtotellthoughtheyhadnotthehearttotorturetheMaid，foritputsmeoutofcharitywithapeoplewhohaveanametobeChristians，anditismydesire，ifImay，toforgiveallmenbeforeIdie。
AtRouenIenduredtoabide，evenuntilthedayofunjustdoom，andmyreasonwasthatIeverhopedforsomemiracle，evenasherSaintshadpromised。Butitwastheirwillthatsheshouldbemadeperfectthroughsuffering，andbeingsetfreethroughthegateoffire，shouldwinhervictoryoverunfaithandmortalfear。WhereforeI
stoodafaroffattheend，seeingnothingofwhatbefell；yetI
clearlyheard，asdidallmenthere，thelastwordofhersweetvoice，andthecryofJHESUS!
ThenIpassedthroughthestreetswheremenandwomen，andtheveryEnglish，wereweeping，and，saddlingmyswiftesthorse，Irodetotheeastport。Whenthegatehadclosedbehindme，Iturned，and，liftingmyhand，ItorethecrossofSt。Georgefrommydoublet。
\"Dogs!\"Icried，\"yehaveburnedaSaint!AcurseoncruelEnglishandcowardFrench!StAndrewforScotland!\"TheshaftsandboltshailedpastmeasIwheeledabout；therewasmountingofsteeds，andaclatterofhoofsbehindme，butthesounddiedawayereIrodeintoLouviers。
ThereItoldthemthetalewhichwastheirshame，andsobetookmetoTours，andtomylady。
CHAPTERXXXII——THEENDOFTHISCHRONICLE
Itservesnottospeakofmylaterfortunes，beingthoseofaprivateman，norhaveIthehearttorecalloldsorrows。WewereweddedwhenElliot\'sgriefhadinsomesortabated，andforoneyearwewerehappierthanGodhaswilledthatsinfulmenshouldlongbeinthisworld。Thenthatbefellwhichhasbefallenmany。Imaynotwriteofit:sufficeitthatGodtookfrommebothherandherchild。Then，aftercertainweeksanddaysofwhichIamblessedenoughtokeeplittlememory，Iforsworearms，andservedinthehouseholdoftheLadyMargaretofScotland，whomarriedtheDauphinonanunhappyday。IhaveknownmuchofCourtsandofthelearned，Ihaveseenthewickedmanexalted，andBrotherThomasNoiroufleingreathonourwithCharlesVII。KingofFrance，andofferingbeforehim，withhismurderoushands，theblessedsacrificeoftheMass。
ThedeathoftheLadyMargaret，slainbylyingtongues，andthesuddensightofthatevilman，BrotherThomas，raisedtopowerandplace，drovemefromFrance，andIwascertainyearswiththeKing\'sambassadorsattheCourtsofItaly。ThereIheardhowtheHolyInquisitionhadreversedthatfalsejudgmentoftheEnglishandfalseFrenchatRouen，whichmademesomejoy。Andthen，findingoldagecomeuponme，Iwithdrewtomyowncountry，whereIhavelivedinreligion，somewhileintheAbbeyofDunfermline，andthisyeargoneinourcellofPluscardine，whereInowwrite，andwhereI
hopetodieandbeburied。
Hereendsmytale，inmyLatinChronicleleftuntold，ofhowaScotsMonkwaswiththeMaidbothinhervictoriesandrecoveriesoftowns，andeventillherdeath。
Formyself，Inowgrowold，andtheearthlytimetocomeisshort，andthereremainetharestforallsoulsChristian。MiscreantsI
haveheardof，menmisbelievingandheretics，whodenythatthespiritabidesafterthedeathofthebody，forinthelongyears，saythey，thespiritwiththefleshwanes，andatlastdieswiththebodilydeath。WhereintheynotonlymakeHolyChurchaliar，butarevisiblyconfoundedbythistruthwhichIknowandfeel，namely，thatwhilemyfleshwasteshourlytowardsoldage，andofmanythingsmymemoryisweakened，yetofthatdayinChinonImindmeasclearly，andseemyloveaswell，andhearhersweetvoiceasplain，asifshehadbutnowlefttheroom。
Hereinmymemorydoesnotfail，nordoeslovefaint，growingstrongerwiththeyears，likethestreamasitracestothefall。
Wherefore，beingmorestrongthanTime，LoveshallbemorestrongthanDeath。Theriverofmylifespeedsyearlyswifter，theyearslikemonthsgoby，themonthslikeweeks，theweekslikedays。Evensofleeton，OTime，tillIrestbesideherfeet!Nay，never，beingyoung，didImoredesiremylove\'spresencewhenwewereapartthanto-dayIdesireit，thememoryofherfillingallmyheartasfragranceofflowersfillsaroom，tillitseemsasifshewerenotfaraway，butnearme，asIwriteofher。And，foolishthatIam!I
lookupasifImightseeherbymyside。Iknownotifthisbesowithallmen，for，indeed，Ihaveaskednone，norspokentoanyofthemattersaveinconfession。ForIhavelovedthisonce，andnomore；whereforeIdeemmehappierthanmost，andmorecertainofagoodendtomylove，wheretheblesseddwellintheRoseofParadise，beholdingtheBeatificVision。
TothisendIimploretheprayersofallChristiansoulswhoreadthisbook，andofalltheSaints，andofthatSisteroftheSaintswhom，whileImight，Iservedinmydegree。
VENERABILISJOHANNA
ORAPRONOBIS
APPENDIXA——NORMAN\'SMIRACLE
See\"LivredesMiraclesdeMadameSainteKatherinedeFierboys。
MSS。Bib。Nat。7335，fol。lxxxiv。
Lexvijourdumoysdejanvier，l\'anmilcccc。xxx。，vintenlachapelledeceansNormanLesliedePytquhoulle，escoth，escuyerdelacompagniedeHuguesCande，capitaine。{40}Lequeldistetaffermaparsermentestrevraylemiraclecyapresdeclaire。C\'estassavoirqueleditLesliefutprinsdesAngloiseParislejourdelaNativitedeNostreDamedel\'andernierpasse。LequelNormanLeslieavoitentredanslavilledeParisavecc。Escossoysenguised\'Angloys，lesqueulsEscossoysfurentprinsdesAngloys，etleditNormanfutmisenfersetenceps。Etestoitl\'intentiondeceuxquil\'avoientprisdelefairelendemainardre，parcequ\'ilportoitrobedefemmeparmanierederusedeguerre。
Sis\'avintqueleditNormansevouaeMadameSainteKatherine，qu\'illuypleustprierDieuqu\'illevoulsistdelivrerdelaprisonouilestoit；etincontinentqu\'ilpourroitestredehors，ilyroitmercierMadameSainteKatherineensachapelledeFierboys。Etincontinentsonveufaitsis\'endormit，etaureveillertrouvaenlatouravecquesluyunSinge，quiluiapportadeuxfiles，etunpetitcousteau。Ainsiiltrouvamanieredesedeferrer，etadoncquess\'ensortitdelaprisonemportantavecquesluylesinge。SiselaissoitcheoiravalenpriantMadameSainteKatherineetchutabas，etoncquesnesefistmal，etserenditeSaintDenysouiltrouvoitdescompagnonsEscossoys。
EtainsyleditNormanLeslies\'enestvenuauditlieudeFierboys，toutsainetsauf，emportantavecquesluyleditsinge，quiestbesteestrangeetfoldesoncorps。EtajureleditNormanceestrevrayparlafoyetsermentdesoncorps。
PresensmessireRichartKyrthrizian，frereGilesLacourt，prestresgouverneursdeladitechapelle，etmessireHauvesPolnoire，peintreduRoy，etplusieursaultres。
APPENDIXB——ELLIOT\'SRING
TheRingoftheMaid，inscribedwiththeHolyNames，isoftenreferredtoinherTrial\"Proces，\"i。86，103，185，236，238，andismentionedbyBower，thecontemporaryScottishchronicler\"Proces，\"iv。480，whoseworkwascontinuedinthe\"LiberPluscardensis。”Wehavealso，inthetext，Norman\'sstatementthatacopyofthisringwaspresentedbytheMaidtoElliotHume。
Whilecorrectingtheproof-sheetsofthisChronicle，theTranslatorreceivedfromMr。GeorgeBlack，AssistantKeeperoftheNationalMuseumofAntiquitiesinEdinburgh，acopyofhisessayon\"ScottishCharmsandAmulets\"\"ProceedingsoftheSocietyofAntiquariesofScotland，\"May8，1893，p。488。There，tohisastonishment，theTranslatorread:\"TheformulaMARI。IHS。occursontwofinger-ringsofsilver-gilt，oneofwhichwasfoundatPluscarden，Elginshire，andtheotherinanoldgraveyardnearFintrayHouse，Aberdeenshire。”HaveweinthePluscardenringarelicoftheMonkofPluscarden，thecompanionofJeanned\'Arc，theauthorof\"LiberPluscardensis\"？