not thus, poisoned in prison, that it would have suited any of her persecutors to let her die.  As a matter of fact, as soon as it was known that she was ill, the best doctors procurable were sent to the prison with peremptory orders to prolong her life and cure her at any cost.  But for a little time we lose sight of the sick-bed on which the unfortunate Maid lay fully dressed, never relinquishing the garb which was her protection, with her feet chained to her uneasy couch.  Even at the moment when her life hung in the balance we read of no indulgence granted in this respect, no unlocking of the infamous chain, nor substitution of a gentler nurse for the attendant houspillers, who were her guards night and day.

When the Bishop and his court had completed their business and sent off to Paris the important document on which so much depended, they found themselves at leisure to return to Jeanne, to inquire after her health and to make her “a charitable admonition.”  It was on the 18th of April, after the silence of more than a fortnight, that their visit was made with this benevolent purpose.  Seven of her judges attended the Bishop into the sick-chamber.  They had come, he assured her, charitably and familiarly, to visit her in her sickness and to carry her comfort and consolation.  Most of these men were indeed familiar enough:  she had seen their faces already through many a dreadful day, though there were one or two which were new and strange, come to stare at her in the depths of her distress.  Cauchon reminded her how much and how carefully she had been questioned by the most wise and learned men; and that those there present were ready to do anything for the salvation of her soul and body in every possible way, by instructing or advising her.  He added, however, that if she still refused to accept advice, and to act according to the counsel of the Church, she was in the greatest danger—­to which she replied: 

“It seems to me, being so ill as I am, that I am in great danger of death.  And if it is thus that God pleases to decide for me, I ask of you to be allowed to confess and receive my Saviour, and to be laid in holy ground.”

“If you desire to have the rites and sacraments of the Church,” said Cauchon, “you must do as good Catholics ought to do, submit to Holy Church.”  She answered, “I can say no other thing to you.”  She was then told that if she was in fear of death through sickness she ought all the more to amend her life; but that she could not have the privileges of the Church as a Catholic, if she did not submit to the Church.  She answered:  “If my body dies in prison, I hope that you will bury me in consecrated ground:  yet if not, I still hope in our Lord.”

She was then reminded that she had said in her trial—­if anything had been said or done by her against our Christian faith ordained by our Lord, that she would not stand by it.  She answered, “I refer to the answer I made, and to our Lord.”