The latter words the Bishop had addressed to Joan; who answered that she knew not on what Cauchon would question her.  ‘Perhaps,’ she said, ‘you will ask me things about which I cannot answer you.’

‘Will you swear,’ said Cauchon, ’to tell the truth respecting the things which will be asked you concerning the faith, and of which you are cognisant?’

’Of all things regarding my family, and what things I have done since coming into France, I will gladly answer; but, as regards the revelation which I have received from God, I have never revealed to any one, except to Charles my King, and I will never reveal these things, even if my head were to be cut off, because my voices have ordered me not to confide these things to any one save the King.  But,’ she continued, ‘in eight days’ time I shall know whether or not I may be allowed to tell you about them.’

Cauchon then repeated his question to the prisoner, namely, whether she would answer any questions put to her regarding matters of faith, and the Gospels were placed before her.  The prisoner, kneeling, laid her hands upon them, and swore to speak the truth in what was asked her as regarded matters of faith.

‘What is your name?’ asked Cauchon.

J.—­’In my home I was called Jeannette.  Since I came to France I was called Joan.  I have no surname.’

C.—­’Where were you born?’

J.—­’At Domremy, near Greux.  The principal church is at Greux.’

C.—­’What are your parents’ names?’

J.—­’My father’s name is James d’Arc; my mother’s, Isabella.’

C.—­’Where were you baptized?’

J.—­’At Domremy.’

Cauchon then asked her the names of her god-parents, who baptized her, her age (she was about nineteen), and what her education amounted to.

‘I have learnt,’ Joan said, in answer to the last question, ’from my mother the Paternoster, the Ave Maria, and the Belief.  All that I know has been taught me by my mother.’

Cauchon then called upon her to repeat the Lord’s Prayer.

In trials for heresy the prisoners had to repeat this prayer before the judges.  At the commencement of Joan of Arc’s trial the crime of magic was brought against her, but as Cauchon completely failed to find any evidence for such a charge against his prisoner, he altered the charge of magic into one of heresy.  It was probably supposed that a heretic would be unable to repeat the prayer and the creed, being under diabolic influence.

Joan of Arc then asked whether she might make her confession before the tribunal.  Cauchon refused this request, but told her that he would send some one to whom she might confess.  He then warned her that if she were to leave her prison she would be condemned as a heretic.  Considering the way she was chained to her cell, it sounds strange that Cauchon should fear her flight.

‘I have never,’ the Maid said, ’given my promise not to attempt to escape if I can.’