A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 494 pages of information about A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 3.

A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 494 pages of information about A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 3.

It was amidst this burst of patriotism, and with all these valiant comrades, that Joan recommenced the campaign on the 10th of June, 1429, quite resolved to bring the king to Rheims.  To complete the deliverance of Orleans, an attack was begun upon the neighboring places, Jargeau, Meung, and Beaugency.  Before Jargeau, on the 12th of June, although it was Sunday, Joan had the trumpets sounded for the assault.  The Duke d’Alencon thought it was too soon.  “Ah!” said Joan, “be not doubtful; it is the hour pleasing to God; work ye, and God will work.”  And she added, familiarly, “Art thou afeard, gentle duke?  Knowest thou not that I have promised thy wife to take thee back safe and sound?” The assault began; and Joan soon had occasion to keep her promise.  The Duke d’Alencon was watching the assault from an exposed spot, and Joan remarked a piece pointed at this spot.  “Get you hence,” said she to the duke; “yonder is a piece which will slay you.”  The Duke moved, and a moment afterwards Sire de Lude was killed at the self-same place by a shot from the said piece.  Jargeau was taken.  Before Beaugency a serious incident took place.  The constable, De Richemont, came up with a force of twelve hundred men.  When he was crossing to Loudun, Charles VII., swayed as ever by the jealous La Tremoille, had word sent to him to withdraw, and that if he advanced he would be attacked.  “What I am doing in the matter,” said the constable, “is for the good of the king and the realm; if anybody comes to attack me, we shall see.”  When he had joined the army before Beaugency, the Duke d’Alencon was much troubled.  The king’s orders were precise, and Joan herself hesitated.  But news came that Talbot and the English were approaching.  “Now,” said Joan, “we must think no more of anything but helping one another.”  She rode forward to meet the constable, and saluted him courteously.  “Joan,” said he, “I was told that you meant to attack me; I know not whether you come from God or not; if you are from God, I fear you not at all, for God knows my good will; if you are from the devil, I fear you still less.”  He remained, and Beaugency was taken.  The English army came up.  Sir John Falstolf had joined Talbot.  Some disquietude showed itself amongst the French, so roughly handled for some time past in pitched battles.  “Ah! fair constable,” said Joan to Richemont, “you are not come by my orders, but you are right welcome.”  The Duke d’Alencon consulted Joan as to what was to be done.  “It will be well to have horses,” was suggested by those about her.  She asked her neighbors, “Have you good spurs?” “Ha!” cried they, “must we fly, then?”

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 3 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.