Early next day everything was in readiness for the attack, but at this juncture, just as she was preparing to lead the storming party, the Bishop of Troyes, John Laiguise, attended by a deputation of the principal citizens, came from the town with offers of capitulation.  The people were ready to place themselves at the King’s mercy, owing probably to the terror the preparations made by Joan of Arc on the previous evening had inspired them with, mixed, too, with the superstitious dread they felt for her presence.  Had not even the English soldiers declared that, when attacked by the terrible Maiden, they had seen what appeared to be flights of white butterflies sparkling all around her form!  How could these good people of Troyes hope to withstand such a power?  To add to this fear, it was remembered by the citizens of Troyes that in it had been signed and concluded the shameful treaty by which Charles VII. had been disinherited from his crown and possessions.  The people therefore gave in without further struggle.  The conditions of capitulation were soon arranged.  The burghers were granted the immunity of their persons and their goods, and certain liberties for their commerce.  All those traders who held any office at the hands of the English government were to continue the enjoyment of these offices or benefices, with the condition of taking them up again at the hands of the King of France.  No garrison would be quartered upon the town, and the English and Burgundian soldiers were to be allowed to depart with their goods.

The next day—­the 10th of July—­Charles and his host entered Troyes in state, the Maid of Orleans riding by the side of the King, her banner displayed as was her custom.

When, as had been arranged in the treaty of capitulation, the foreign soldiers began to leave the place with bag and baggage (goods), Joan was indignant at finding that some of these so-called goods were nothing less than French prisoners.  This was a thing that she could not tolerate, treaty or no treaty; and, placing herself at the gate of the town, she insisted that her imprisoned countrymen should be left in her charge.  The King naturally felt obliged to gratify her; so he released the captives, and paid their ransom down.  Before leaving Troyes the next day, William Bellier, who had been Joan’s host at Chinon, was left as bailiff of the place, along with other officers.

Thence the army moved on by way of Chalons.  Though still in the hands of the English, a deputation of clergy and citizens met the King, and placed themselves at his orders.

While in the neighbourhood of Chalons, Joan of Arc met some friends who had arrived from Domremy; among them were two old village companions, Gerardin d’Epinal and John Morel, to whom she gave her red dress.  In conversation with these she said that the only dread she had in the future was treachery:  a dread which seems to point in some strange prophetic manner to the fate which was so soon to meet her at Compiegne.