"Yemark，brethrenandsisters，shelikesnotthenameoftheordealbyfire，"criedBrotherThomas，whereonIliftedmyfaceagaintodefyhim，andIsawtheviolerwomanbendherbrows，andplaceherfinger，asitwerebyperadventure，onherlips；whereforeIwassilent，onlygazingonthatdevil，butthenrangoutatrumpet-note，blowingthecalltoarms，andfromafarcameanansweringcall，fromthequarterofSt。Denis。
"Carryhim，orher，orwhateverthespyis，intotheoutergatetower，"saidaCaptain；"puthiminfettersandmanacles；lockthedoorandleavehim；andthentoquarters。Andyou，friar，holdyourgibingtongue；ladorlass，hehasbornehimbravely。”
Sixmen-at-armshechoseouttodohisbidding；andwhilethegateswereclearedofthethrong，andtrumpetsweresounding，andchurchbellswererungbackwards，foranalarm，Iwasdragged，withmanyakickandblow，overthedrawbridge，upthestairsofthetower，andsowasthrownintoastrongroombeneaththebattlements。Theretheyputmeinbonds，gavemeoftheircourtesyajugofwaterandaloafofblackbreadbyme，andthen，takingmydagger，mysword，andallthatwasinmypouch，theyleftmewithcurses。
"Youshallhearhowtheonfallgoes，belike，"theysaid，"andto-
morrowshallbeyourjudgment。”
Withthatthedoorgratedandrang，thekeywasturnedinthelock，andtheirirontreadsoundedonthestonestairs，goingupwards。
Theroomwashigh，narrow，andlitbyabarredandstanchionedwindow，farabovemyreach，evenifIhadbeenunbound。Ishametosayit，butIrolledoveronmyfaceandwept。Thiswastheendofmyhopesandproudheart。Thattheywouldburnme，despitetheirthreatsIscarcebelieved，forIhadinnowiseoffendedHolyChurch，orinmattersoftheFaith，andonlyforsuchheretics，orwickeddealersinart-magic，islawfullyordainedthedeathbyfire。ButherewasIprisoner，allthatIhadwonatOrleanswoulddolittlemorethanpaymyownransom；fromtheendofmyriskandtravailI
wasnowfurtherawaythanever。
SoImused，weepingforveryrage，butthencameaheavyrollingsoundoverhead，asofmovingwheeledpiecesofordnance。ThereonsonearisHopetousinourdespairIpluckedupsomeheart。Erenightfall，ParismightbeinthehandsoftheKing，andallmightbewell。Theroarandreboundofcannonoverheadtoldmethatthefightinghadbegun，andnowIprayedwithallmyheart，thattheMaid，asever，mightagainbevictorious。SoIlaythere，listening，andheardthegreatartillerybellow，andtheroarofgunsinanswer，theshoutingofmen，andclangofchurchbells。Nowandagainthewallsofthetowerrangwiththeshockofacannon-
ball，onceanarrowflewthroughthecasementandshattereditselfonthewallabovemyhead。Iscarceknowwhy，butIdraggedmetotheplacewhereitfell，and，putthearrow-pointinmybosom。
Smokeofwoodandpitchdarkenedthelight；theyhadcome，then，toclosequarters。Butoncemorerangtherattleofguns；thewhizzingrushofstones，thesmitingwithaxeorswordonwoodenbarrierandsteelharness，thecriesofwar，"MontjoyeSt。Denis!""St。GeorgeforEngland!"andsloganstoo，Iheard，as"Bellenden，""AHome!aHome!"andthenIknewtheScotswerethere，fightinginthefront。
Butalas，howdifferentwasthedaywhenfirstIheardourownbattle-criesunderOrleanswalls!ThenIhadmylifeandmyswordinmyhands，tospendandtostrike；butnowIlayalonelyprisoner，helplessandallbuthopeless；yetevensoIclashedmychainsandshouted，whenIheardtheslogan。
Thuswithnoiseandsmoke，andtrumpetsblowingthechargeortherecall，andourpipesshriekingthepibrochhighabovethedin，withdustfloatingandplasterdroppingfromthewallsofmycelltillI
waswellnighstifled，thedayworeon，norcouldItell，inanywise，howthebattlewent。Themainonslaught，Iknew，wasnotonthegatebehindthetowerinwhichIlay，thoughthattoweralsowassmittenofcannon-balls。
Atlength，wellpastmid-day，asIdeemedbythelight，cameahush，andthenathickersmoke，andtasteofburningpitch-wood，andaroarasifallParishadbeenblownintomid-air，sothatmytowershook，whileheavybeamsfellcrashingtoearth。
Againcameahush，andthenonevoice，clearasaclarioncall，eventhevoiceoftheMaid，"Tirezenavant，enavant!"Howmybloodthrilledatthesoundofit!
Itmustbenow，Ithought，ornever，butthegunsonlyroaredthelouder，thedingrewfierceandfiercer，tillIheardamightyroar，theEnglishshoutingaloudasonemanforjoy，forsotheirmanneris。Thricetheyshouted，andmyheartsankwithinme。HadtheyslaintheMaid？Iknewnot，butfortormentofsoulthereisscarceanygreaterthansotolie，boundandalone，seeingnought，butguessingatwhatisbefalling。
Aftertheseshoutsitwaseasytoknowthatthefightingwaned，andwaslessfierce。Theday，moreover，turnedtothunder，andwaxedloweringandofastiflingheat。Yetmyworstfearswereended，forIheard，nowandagain，theclearvoiceoftheMaid，biddinghermen"fighton，forallwastheirs。”Butthevoicewasweakernow，andotherthanithadbeen。Sothedaydarkened，onlyonceandagainashotwasfired，andinthedusktheshoutsoftheEnglishtoldmeoverclearlythatforto-dayourchanceandhopewerelost。Thenthedarknessgrewdeeper，andastarshonethroughmycasement，andfeetwentupanddownuponthestairs，butnomancamenearme。
Belowtherewassomefaintcackleofmirthandlaughter，andatlastthesilencefell。
Oncemorecameaswiftsteponthestairs，asofonestumblingupinhaste。Thekeyrattledinthewards，ayellowlightshonein，aman-at-armsentered；heheldatorchtomyface，lookedtomybonds，andthengavemeakick，whileonecriedfrombelow，"Comeon，Dickon，yourmeatiscooling!"Soheturnedandwentout，thedoorclangingbehindhim，andthekeyrattlinginthewards。
InpainandfiercewrathIgnawedmyblackbread，dranksomeofthewater，andatlastIbethoughtmeofthatwhichshouldhavebeenfirstinthethoughtsofaChristianman，andIprayed。
RememberingthestoryofMichaelHamilton，whichIhavealreadytold，andothernobleandvirtuousmiraclesofMadameSt。CatherineofFierbois，Icommandedmetoher，that，byGod'sgrace，shewouldbepleasedtoreleasemefrombondsandprison。AndIpromisedthat，ifshewouldsofavourme，IwouldgoonpilgrimagetoherchapelofFierbois。Ilookedthatmychainsshouldnowfallfrommylimbs，but，findingnosuchmatter，andbeingverywearyforallthelastnightIhadsleptnone，Ifellonslumberandforgotmysorrow。
BelikeIhadnotlainlonginthatblessedlandwheretroubleseldomcomeswhenIwaswakened，asitwere，byatuggingatmyclothes。I
satup，buttheroomwasdark，saveforafaintlightinthecasement，highoverhead，andIthoughtIhaddreamed。Howbeit，asI
laydownagain，heavyatheart，myclotheswereagaintwitched，andnowIrememberedwhatIhadheard，butneverbelieved，concerning"lutins"or"brownies，"aswecallthem，which，beingspiritsinvisible，andreckonedtohavenopartinoursalvation，arewontincertainhousestosportwithmen。Curiousratherthanaffrighted，Isatuponcemore，andlookedaround，whenIsawtwobrightspotsoflightinthedark。Thendeemingthat，forsomereasonunknowntome，theprisondoorhadbeenopenedwhileIslept，andacatletin，Istretchedoutmyhandstowardsthelights，thencecameasharp，faintcry，andsomethingsoftandfurryleapedontomybreast，strokingmewithlittlehands。
ItwasElliot'sjackanapes，verymeagre，asIcouldfeel，andallhisribsstandingout，buthemademuchofme，fondlingmeafterhismanner；andindeed，formylady'ssake，Ikissedhim，wonderingmuchhowhecamethere。Thenheputsomethingintomyhands，almostasifhehadbeenaChristian，foritwasawisebeastandakind。
EventhenthereshoneintomymemorythethoughtofhowmyladyhadprayedforherlittlefriendwhenhewasstolenwhichIhadthoughtstrange，andscarcelywarrantedbyourFaith，andwiththat，hopewakenedwithinme。Myeyesbeingnowmoreaccustomedtothedarkness，Isawthatthethingwhichthejackanapesgavemewasalittlewallet，forhehadbeentaughttofetchandcarry，andneverwassuchamarvelatclimbing。ButasIwascaressinghim，Ifoundastringabouthisneck，towhichthereseemedtobenoend。Now，atlength，Icomprehendedwhatwastoward，andpullinggentlyatthestring，Ifound，aftersometime，thatitwasattachedtosomethingheavy，ontheoutsideofthecasement。ThereforeIsetaboutdrawinginstringfromabove，andmorestring，andmore，andthenappearedaknotandasplice，andtheendofathickrope。SoI
drewanddrew，tillitstopped，andIcouldseeastoutbaracrossthestanchionsofthecasement。ThereonIceaseddrawing，andopeningthelittlewallet，Ifoundtwofiles，oneveryfine，theotherofsturdierfashion。
VerilythenIblessedtheviolerwoman，whoatgreatperilofherownlife，andbysuchwittydeviceasdoubtlessMadameSt。Catherineputintoherheart，hadsentthejackanapesupfrombelow，andputmeinthewayofsafety。Iwastednotime，butbeganfiling，notatthethickcircletonmywrist，butatalinkofthechainwheretoitwasmadefast。Andsuchwasthetemperofthefile，thatsoonIgotthestouterweaponintothecut，andsnappedthelink；andsowiththeothers，workinglonghours，andoftenlookingfearfullyforthefirstglimmerofdawn。Thishadnotcomein，whenIwasnowfreeofbonds，buttherewasyetthecasementtobescaled。WithallmystrengthIdraggedandjerkedattherope，wherebyImeanttoclimb，lestthestanchionsshouldberustedthrough，andunabletobearmyweight，buttheystoodthestrainbravely。ThenIcastoffmywoman'skirtle，andtookfrommypouchthearrow-point，andtherewithscratchedhastilyontheplasteredwall，ingreatletters:
"NormanLeslieofPitculloleaveshismalisonontheEnglish。”
NextIboundthejackanapeswithinthebosomofmydoublet，withapieceofthecordwheretotheropehadbeenknotted，forIcouldnotleavethelittlebeasttodiethedeathofatraitor，andbringsuspicion，moreover，onthepoorviolerwoman。Then，commandingmyselftotheSaints，andespeciallythankingMadameSt。Catherine，Ibegantoclimb，haulingmyselfupbytherope，whereonIhadmadeknotstothisend；norwastheclimbingmoredifficultthantoscaleabranchlessbeechtrunkforabird'snest，which，likeotherboys，Ihadoftendone。Sobeholdme，atlast，withmylegshanginginfreeair，seatedonthesillofthecasement。Happily，ofthethreeironstanchions，thoughtogethertheyboremyweight，onewaslooseinthelowersocket，forlackoflead，andthisoneIdisplacedeasilyenough，andsopassedthrough。ThenIputthewoodenbarattherope'send，withintheroom，behindthetwootherstanchions，consideringthatthey，bythemselves，wouldbearmyweight，butifnot，ratherchoosingtotrustmysoultotheSaintsthanmybodytotheEnglish。
Thedeepbelowmewasveryterribletolookupon，andthecasementbeingabovethedryditch，Ihadnowatertobreakmyfall，iffallImust。Howbeit，Ihardenedmyheart，andturningmyfacetothewall，holdingfirstthewoodenbar，andthenshiftingmygrasptotherope，Iletmyselfdown，clingingtotheropewithmylegs，andatfirstnotalittlehelpedbytheknotsIhadmadetoclimbtothecasement。WhenIhadpassedthese，methoughtmyhandswereonfire；
nevertheless，Isliddownslowlyandwithcaution，tillmyfeettouchedground。
Iwasnowinthedryditch，abovemyheadcreakedandswungthedeadbodyofthehangedmarauder，buthedidnowhitaffrayme。Iran，stooping，alongthebedofthedryditch，formanyyards，stumblingoverthebodiesofmenslaininyesterday'sfight，andthen，creepingout，Ifoundahollowwaybetweentwoslopes，andthencecrawledintoawood，whereIlaysomelittlespacehiddenbytheboughs。Thesmelloftreesandgrassandthekeenairwerelikewinetome；Icooledmybleedinghandsinthedeepdew；andpresently，inthedawn，IwasstealingtowardsSt。Denis，takingsuchcoverofditchesandhedgesaswehadsoughtinourunhappymarchofyesterday。AndIsosped，byfavouroftheSaints，thatI
fellinwithnomarauders；butreachingthewindmillrightearly，atfirsttrumpet-call，IwashailedbyoursentinelsfortheonlymanthathadwoninandoutofParis，andhadcarriedoff，moreover，aprisoner，thejackanapes。Toseeme，scarred，withmanaclesonmywristsandgyvesonmyankles，weaponless，withanapeonmyshoulder，wassuchasightastheScotsGuardhadneverbeheldbefore，andcarryingmetothesmith's，theyfirstknockedoffmyirons，andgavemewine，eretheyeitheraskedmeformytale，ortoldmetheirown，whichwasaheartbreaktobear。
Fornomancouldunfoldthemannerofthatwhichhadcometopass，if，atleast，therewerenotstrongtreasonattherootofall。Forourpartoftheonfall，theEnglishhadmadebutafeignedattackonthemill，whereforethebale-fireswerelit，toourundoing。Thiswastherusedeguerreoftheaccursedcordelier，BrotherThomas。
Fortherest，theMaidhadledonabandtoattackthegateSt。
Honore，withGaucourtinhercompany，aknightthathadnogreatloveeitherofherorofadesperateonslaught。ButD'Alencon，whomshelovedasabrother，wascommandedtotakeanotherband，andwaitbehindabutteorknowe，outofdangerofarrow-shot。TheMaidhadstormedalldayathergate，hadtakentheboulevardwithout，andburstopenandburnedtheouterport，andcrossedthedryditch。
Butwhenshehadleduphermen，nowfew，overtheslopeandtotheedgeofthewetfosse，beholdnofaggotsandbundlesofwoodwerebroughtup，whereby，asismannerofwar，tofillupthefosse，andsocrossover。Asshethenstoodunderthewall，shoutingforfaggotsandscaling-ladders，herstandard-bearerwasshottodeath，andshewassorelywoundedbyanarbalestbolt。Nathelessshelaybythewall，stillcryingonhermen，butnoughtwasreadythatshouldhavebeen，manywereslainbyshaftsandcannon-shot，andinthedusk，sheweepingandcryingstillthattheplacewastheirstotake，D'Alenconcarriedheroffbymainforce，setheronherhorse，andsobroughtherbacktoSt。Denis。
Now，mymindwas，andistothisday，thattherewastreasonhere，andablackstainonthechivalryofFrance，toletagirlgosofar，andnottofollowher。ButofusScotsmanywereslain，andmorewounded，whileRobinLindsaydiedinParisgate，andRandalRutherfordlayaprisonerinEnglishhands。
CHAPTERXXIII——HOWELLIOT'SJACKANAPESCAMEHOME
OfourBlessedLordHimselfitissaidintheGospelofSt。Matthew，"etnonfecitibivirtutesmultaspropterincredulitatemillorum。”
ThesewordsIwillinglyleaveintheRomantongue；forbythewisdomofHolyChurchitisdeemedthatmanymysteriesshouldnotbepublishedabroadinthevulgarspeech，lesttheunlearnedheartotheirownconfusion。ButifevenHe，doubtlessbythewisdomofHisownwill，didnotmanygreatworks"propterincredulitatem，"itisthelesstobemarvelledatthatHisSaints，throughthepersonoftheBlessedMaid，wereofnoavailwheremenutterlydisbelieved。
Andthat，whereinfidelitywas，evenshemustlabourinvainwasshownanon，evenonthisverydayofmyescapeoutofParistown。
ForIhadscarcetakensomefood，andwashedandarmedmyself，whentheMaid'strumpetssounded，andsheherself，armedandonhorseback，despiteherwound，rodeintoSt。Denis，todevisewiththegentleDucd'Alencon。Togethertheycameforthfromthegate，andI，beingintheircompany，heardhercry-
"Bymybaton，IwillnevergobacktillItakethatcity。”{31}
ThesewordsPercivaldeCagnyalsoheard，agoodknight，andmaitred'hotelofthehouseofAlencon。Thereonarosesomedispute，D'Alenconbeingeager，asindeedhealwayswas，tofollowwheretheMaidenled，andsomeothersholdingback。
Now，astheyweredevisingtogether，somefor，someagainst，formen-at-armsnotafewhadfallenintheonfall，therecamethesoundofhorses'hoofs，andlo!MessiredeMontmorency，whohadbeenofthepartyoftheEnglish，andwiththeminParis，rodeup，leadingacompanyoffiftyorsixtygentlemenofhishouse，tojointheMaid。
Thereatwasgreatjoyandnewcourageinallmenofgoodwill，seeingthat，withinParisitself，somanygentlemendeemedoursthebettercauseandthemorehopeful。
Thustherewasanendofalldispute，ourcompanieswerefairlyarrayed，andweweremarchingtorevengeourselvesforthelossesofyesterday，whentwoknightscamespurringafterusfromSt。Denis。
TheyweretheDucdeBar，andthatunhappyCharlesdeBourbon，ComtedeClermont，bywhosefolly，orillwill，orcowardice，theScotswerebetrayedanddesertedattheBattleoftheHerrings，wheremyownbrotherfell，asIhavealreadytold。ThissecondtimeCharlesdeBourbonbroughtevilfortune，forhecameontheKing'spart，straitlyforbiddingD'AlenconandtheMaidtomarchforwardanotherlance'slength。WhereatD'Alenconsworeprofane，andtheMaiden，weeping，rebukedhim。So，withheavyhearts，weturned，allthehostofus，andwentbacktoquarters，theMaidtoprayinthechapel，andthemen-at-armstodrinkandspeakilloftheKing。
AllthiswasontheninthofSeptember，awearydaytoallofus，thoughintheeveningwordcamethatweweretomarchearlynextmorningandattackParisinanotherquarter，crossingtheriverbyabridgeofboatswhichtheDucd'Alenconhadletbuildtothatend。
AftertwowakefulnightsIwaswellweary，andearlylaidmedowntosleep，risingatdawnwithhighhopes。Andsothroughthegreylightwemarchedsilentlytotheplaceappointed，butbridgetherewasnone；fortheKing，havingheardoftheMaid'sintent，hadcausedmentoworkallnightlong，destroyingthatwhichthegentleDukehadbuilded。HadtheKingbutheardtheshoutsandcursesofourcompanywhentheyfoundnoughtbutthebarepilesstanding，thegreywaterflowing，andtheboatsandplanksvanished，hemighthavetakenshametohimselfofhislackoffaith。ThereforeIsayitboldly，itwasbecauseofmen'sunbeliefthattheMaidatPariswroughtnogreatworks，savethatsheputherbodyinsuchhazardofwarasneverdidwoman，nay，norman，sincethemakingoftheworld。
Ihavenohearttospeakmoreofthisshamefulmatter，norofthesedaysofangerandblasphemy。ItwassaidandbelievedthathervoicesbadetheMaidabideatSt。DenistillsheshouldtakeParistown，buttheKing，andCharlesdeBourbon，andtheArchbishopofReimsrefusedtohearkentoher。OnthethirteenthdayofSeptember，afterdinner，theKing，withallhiscounsellors，rodeawayfromSt。Denis，towardsGienontheLoire。TheMaiden，forherpart，hungupallherharnessthatshehadworn，savetheswordofSt。CatherineofFierbois，infrontofthealtarofOurLady，andtheblessedrelicsofSt。Denisinthechapel。Thereaftersherode，asneedsshemust，andweofhercompanywithher，tojointheKing，forsohecommanded。
AndnowwasthewilloftheMaidandoftheDucd'Alenconbroken，andbrokenwasallthatgreatarmy，whereofsomewerefreelancesoutofmanylands，butmorewerenoblesofFrancewiththeirmen，whohadservedwithoutpriceorpay，forloveofFranceandoftheMaid。Neveragainweretheymustered；naywhen，aftersomeweekspassed，thegentleDucd'AlenconprayedthathemighthavetheMaidenwithhim，andburstintoNormandy，wheretheEnglishwerestrongest，bytheMarchesofMaine，eventhisgracewasrefusedtohim，bythemalenginandill-willofLaTremouilleandtheArchbishopofReims。Andthesetwofairfriendsmetnevermoreagain，neitheratfraynorfeast。Mayshe，amongtheSaints，soworkbyherprayersthatthelatesinandtreasonofthegentleDukemaybewashedoutandmadeclean，forwhileshelivedtherewasnomanmoredeartoher，noranythatfollowedhermorestoutlyineveryonfall。
NowconcerningthetimesthatcameafterthisshamefultreasonatParis，Ihavenojoytowrite。TheKing'scounsellors，astheirmannerwas，everhankeredafterapeacewithBurgundy，andtheystretchedthefalsetrucethatwastohaveendedatChristmastoEasterDay，"pacemclamantesquononfuitpax。”FortherewasnotrucewiththeEnglish，whotookSt。Denisagain，andmadebootyofthearmswhichtheMaidhaddedicatedtoOurLady。OnourpartLaHireandXaintraillesplundered，fortheirownhand，thelandsoftheDukeofBurgundy，andindeedoneverysidetherewasnofairfighting，suchastheMaidloved，butawarofwastry，thepeasantspillaged，andthepoorheldtoransom。Forherpart，shespentherdaysinprayerforthepoorandtheoppressed，whomshehadcometodeliver，andwhonowwereinworsecasethanbefore，theEnglishharryingcertainofthegoodtownsthathadyieldedtoKingCharles。
NowhervoiceseverbadetheMaidgobacktotheIsleofFrance，andassailParis，wherelaynoEnglishgarrison，andtheArmagnacswerestirringasmuchastheymight。ButParis，beingatthistimeunderthegovernmentoftheDukeofBurgundy，wasforsoothwithinthetruce。TheKing'scounsellors，therefore，settingtheirwisdomagainstthatoftheSaints，badetheMaidgoagainstthetownsofSt。PierreleMoustierandLaCharite，thenheldbytheEnglishontheLoire。ThiswasinNovember，whendayswereshort，andtheweatherbittercold。TheCouncilwasheldatMehunsurYevre，andforthwiththeMaid，gladtobedoing，rodetoBourges，whereshemusteredhermen，andsomarchedtoSt。PierreleMoustier，asmalltown，butastrong，withfosses，towers，andhighwalls。
Therewelaysometwodaysorthree，plyingthetownwithourartillery，andfreezinginthewinternights。Atlength，havingmadesomewhatofabreach，theMaidgavethewordfortheassault，andherselfleading，withherbannerinhand，wewentatitwithwhatforcewemight。Buttwiceandthriceweweredrivenbackfromthefosse，andtobeplain，ourmenwerefledundercover，andonlytheMaidstoodwithinarrow-shotofthewall，withafewofherhousehold，ofwhomIwasone，forIcouldnotgobackwhilesheheldherground。Thearrowsandboltsfromthetownrainedandwhistledaboutus，andinfaithIwishedmyselfotherwhere。Yetshestood，wavingherbanner，andcrying，"Tirezenavant，ilssontenous，"aswasherwayineveryonfall。Seeingherthusinjeopardy，hermaitred'hotel，D'Aulon，thoughhimselfwoundedintheheelsothathemightnotsetfoottoground，mountedahorse，andridingup，askedher"whysheabodetherealone，anddidnotgivegroundliketheothers？"
AtthistheMaidliftedherhelmetfromherhead，andso，uncovered，herfacelikemarbleforwhiteness，andhereyesshininglikesteel，madeanswer-
"Iamnotalone；withmethereareofminefiftythousand!HenceI
willnotgivebackonesteptillIhavetakenthetown。”
ThenIwottedwellthat，sinfulmanasIam，IwasinthecompanyofthehostsofHeaven，thoughIsawthemnot。Greatheartthisknowledgegavemeandothers，andtheMaidcrying，inaloudvoice，"Auxfagots，toutlemonde!"theveryrunawaysheardherandcamebackwithplanksandfaggots，andso，fillingupthefosseandpassingover，weranintothebreach，smitingandslaying，andthetownwastaken。
Formyownpart，IwassofavouredthattwoknightsyieldedthemmyprisonersIbeingtheonlymanofgentlebirthamongthosewhobesettheminanarrowwynd，andwiththeirransomsIdeemedmyselfwealthyenough，aswellImight。SonowIcouldlooktowinmyheart'sdesire，ifnoillfortunebefell。Butlittlegoodfortunecameinourway。FromLaCharite，whichwasbesetinthelastdaysofNovember，wehadperforcetogiveback，fortheKingsentusnomunitionsofwar，andforlackofmorepowderandballwemightnotmakeanybreachinthewallsofthattown。Andso，byreasonofthehardwinter，andtheslacknessoftheKing，andthefalsetruce，wefoughtnomore，atthatseason，butwent，trailingaftertheCourt，fromcastletocastle。
Manyfeastswereheld，andmuchhonourwasdonetotheMaid，asbygiftsofcoatarmour，andtheennoblingofallherkithandkin，butthesethingssheregardednot，nordidsheeverbearonhershieldtheswordsupportingthecrown，betweentheliliesofFrance。
IfthesewereilldaysfortheMaid，Ishametoconfessthattheyweremerrydayswithme。Thereareworseplacesthanaking'scourt，whenamanisyoung，andlightofheart，fullofhope，andwithmoneyinhispurse。Ilookedthatweshouldtakethefieldagaininthespring；andhavinggainedsomegold，andevensomegoodwords，asonenotbackwardwheresword-strokesweregoing，IknownotwhatdreamsIhadofhighrenown，ay，andtheConstable'sstafftoendwithal。FormanyapoorScothascometogreatplaceinFranceandGermany，whobeganwithnobetterfortunethanamindtoputhisbodyinperil。Moreover，thewinningofElliotherselfformywifeseemednowathingalmostwithinmyreach。Therefore，asI
say，IkeptamerryYuleatJargeau，goingbravelyclad，anddancingallnightlongwiththemerriest。OnlythewanfaceoftheMaidthatintimeofwarhadbeensogallantandgladcamebetweenmeandmypleasures。Notthatshewaswilfullyandwantonlysad，yetnowandagainwecouldmarkinherfacethegreatandlovingpitythatpossessedherforFrance。NowIwouldbehalfangeredwithher，butagainfarmorewrothwithmyself，whocouldthuslightlythinkofthatpassionofhers。Butwhenshemightshewaseveratherprayers，orincompanyofchildren，orseekingoutsuchaswerepoorandneedy，towhomshewasabundantlylavishofhergifts，sothat，wheresoevertheCourtwent，thepeopleblessedher。
InthesemonthsIhadtidingsofElliotnowandagain；andasoccasionservedIwrotetoher，withmessagesofmylove，andwithagift，asofaringorajewel。ButconcerningthemannerofmyescapefromParisIhadtoldElliotnothingforthiscause。Mydesirewas，whensoonestIhadanoccasion，tosurpriseherwiththegiftofherjackanapesanew，knowingwellthatnothingcouldmakehergreaterjoy，savemyowncoming，oravictoryoftheMaid。Thelittlecreaturehadbeenmycomradewheresoeverwewent，asatSully，Gien，andBourges，onlyItookhimnottotheleaguersofSt。
PierreleMoustierandLaCharite，butlefthimwithafairladyoftheCourt。Hehadwaxedfatagain，forasmeagreashewaswhenhecametomeinprison，andhewasfullofnewtricks，warminghimselfatthegreatfireinhall，likeaman。
NowinthemiddleofthemonthofJanuary，intheyearofGracefourteenhundredandthirty，theMaidtoldusofherhouseholdthatshewouldjourneytoOrleans，toabideforsomespacewithcertainladiesofherfriends，namely，MadamedeSt。MesminandMadamedeMouchy，wholovedherdearly。Tothemostofusshegaveholiday，toseeourownfriends。TheMaidknewsurelythatinFrancemyfriendswerefew，andwellsheguessedwhitherIwasbound。
Thereforeshesentforme，andbiddingmecarryherlovetoElliot，sheputintomyhandsagifttoherfriend。Itwasaringofsilver-gilt，fashionedlikethatwhichherownfatherandmotherhadgivenher。Atthisringshehadacustomoflookingoften，sothattheEnglishconceivedittobeanunholytalisman，thoughitboretheNamethatisaboveallnames。ThatringInowwearinmybosom。
So，sayingfarewell，withmanykindwordsonherpart，IrodetowardsTours，whereElliotandherfatherasthendwelt，inthatsamehousewhereIhadbeenwiththemtobehealedofmymalady，aftertheleaguerofOrleans。ToToursIrode，tellingthemnotofmycoming，andcarryingthejackanapeswellwrappedupinfursofthebest。Theweatherwasfrosty，andfolkwereslidingontheiceofthefloodedfieldsnearTourswhenIcamewithinsightofthegreatMinster。Theroadsranghard；onthesmoothicethelowsunwasmakingpathsofgold，andIsangasIrode。Puttingupmyhorseatthesignofthe"HangingSword，"Itooktheapeundermygreatfurredsurcoat，andstolelikeathiefthroughthealleys，towardsmymaster'shouse。Thenightwasfalling，andallthecasementofthegreatchamberwasglowingwiththecolourandlightofaleapingfirewithin。Therecameasoundofmusictoo，asonetouchedthevirginalstoatuneofmyowncountry。Myheartwasbeatingforjoy，asithadbeateninthebushmentoutsideParistown。
Iopenedtheouterdoorsecretly，forIknewthetrickofit，andI
sawfromthethinthreadoflightonthewallofthepassagethatthechamberdoorwasalittleajar。Thejackanapeswasnowfrettingandstrugglingwithinmysurcoat，so，openingthecoat，Iputhimdownbythechamberdoor。Hegavealittlescratch，aswashiscustom，forhewasaverymannerlylittlebeast，andthesoundofthevirginalsceased。Then，pushingthedoorwithhislittlehands，heranin，withakindofcryofjoy。
"InOurLady'sname，whatisthis？"camethevoiceofElliot。"Mydear，dearlittlefriend，whatmakeyouhere？"
ThenIcouldwithholdmyselfnolonger，butentered，andmyladyrantome，thejackanapesclingingaboutherneckwithhisarms。Butminewereroundhertoo，andwhatwordswesaid，andwhatcheerwemadeeachtheother，Imaynotwrite，commendingmetoalltruelovers，whoseheartsshalltellthemthatwhereofIamsilent。MuchwasIrebukedforthatIdidnotwritetowarnthemofmycoming，whichwasyetthemorejoyfulthattheywerenotwarned。Andthenthegoodwoman，Elliot'skinswoman，mustbecalledthoughinsoothnotattheveryfirst，andthenagreatfiremustbelitinmyoldchamber；andnextmymastercamein，fromatavernwherehehadbeendevisingwithsomeScotsofhisfriends；andallthewhilethejackanapeskeptsuchamerrycoil，andplayedsomanyofhistricks，andgotsomanykissesfromhismistress，thatitwasmarvel。Butofallthathadbefallenmeinthewars，andofhowtheMaidendidconcerningwhichElliothadquestionedmefirstofall，Iwouldtellthemlittletillsupperwasbrought。
Andthen，indeed，outcameallmytale，andtheyheardofwhathadbeenmyfortuneinParis，andhowthejackanapeshaddeliveredmefromdurance，whereonnever，surely，wasanybeastofhiskindsocaressedsinceourfatherAdamgaveallthecreaturestheirnames。
ButastouchingtheMaid，ItoldhowshehadborneherselfatSt。
PierreleMoustier，andofallthehonoursthathadbeengrantedtoher，andIbadethembeofgoodheartandhope，forthatherbannerwouldbeonthewindinspring，afterEasterDay。AllthegoodnewsthatmightbetrulytoldIdidtell，ashowLaHirehadtakenLouvierstown，andharriedtheEnglishuptotheverygatesofRouen。AndIgavetoElliottheringwhichtheMaidhadsenttoher，fashionedlikethatsheherselfwore，butofsilvergilt，whereastheMaid'swasofbasemetal，anditboretheHolyNamesMARI。IHS。ThereonElliotkissedithumbly，andavowedherselftobe，thatnight，thegladdestdamselinallFrance。
"ForIhavegottenyou，monami，andmylittlefriendthatIhadlost，beyondallhope，andIhaveakindwordandatokenfromHer，lafilledeDieu，"whereatherspeechfaltered，andhereyesswamintears。Butsometrickofherjackanapesbroughtbackhermirth，andsothehourspassed，ashappyasanyinmylife。Trulythememoryofthesethingstellsmehowgladthisworldmightbe，whereinGodhasplacedus，wereitnottroubledbytheinordinatedesiresofmen。Inmymaster'shouseofTours，then，mydaysofholidaywentmerrilyby，saveforonematter，andthatoftheutmostmoment。Formymasterwouldinnomannerpermitmetowedhisdaughterwhilethiswarendured；andElliotherself，blushinglikeanyrose，toldmethat，whiletheMaidhadneedofme，withtheMaidImustabideatmyduty，andthatsheherselfhadnomindforhappinesswhileherfriendwasyetlabouringinthecauseofFrance。Howbeit，I
deliveredmeofmyvow，bypilgrimagetothechapelinFierbois。
{32}
CHAPTERXXIV——HOWTHEMAIDHEARDILLTIDINGSFROMHERVOICES，ANDOF
THESILENCEOFTHEBIRDS
Eastertidecameatlast，andthatearly，EasterDayfallingonMarchthetwenty-seventh。OurKingkepthisPaquesatSullywithgreatfestival，buthisdeadlyfoe，theDukeofBurgundy，layatthetownofPeronne。SosoonasEastertidewasover，theDukedrewalltheforcehehadtoMontdidier，atownwhichliessomeeightleaguestothenorthandwestofCompiegne。HencehesowroughtthathemadeapactwiththecaptainoftheFrenchinGournay，atownsomefourleaguesnorthandwestofCompiegne，wherebythegarrisontherepromisedtolieidle，andmakenoonslaughtagainstthemofBurgundy，unlesstheKingbroughtthemarescue。ThereforetheDukewentbacktoNoyonontheOise，someeightleaguesnorthandeastofCompiegne，whilehiscaptain，JeandeLuxembourg，ledhalfhisarmywest，towardsBeauvais。TherehetookthecastleofProvenlieu，anoldcastle，andruinous，thattheEnglishhadrepairedandheld。
AndtherehehangedcertainEnglish，whowereusedtopillageallthecountryaboutMontdidier。ThenceJeandeLuxembourgcamebacktotheDuke，atNoyon，andtookandrazedChoisy，whichwasheldforFrance。
Nowallthesemarchings，andtakingsoftowns，weredesignedtooneend，namely，thattheDukemighthavefreepassageovertheriverOise，sothathismenandhisvictualmightsafelycomeandgofromtheeast。For，manifestly，itwashispurposetobesiegeandtakethegoodtownofCompiegne，whichliesontheriverOisesomefifteenleaguesnorthandeastofParis。Thistownhadcomein，andyieldedtotheMaid，someweeksbeforetheonfallofParis，anditwasespeciallydeartoher，forthepeoplehadswornthattheywouldalldie，andseetheirwivesandchildrendead，ratherthanyieldtoEnglandorBurgundy。Moreover，whosoeverheldCompiegnewaslike，innolongtime，tobemasterofParis。ButasnowGuillaumedeFlavycommandedinCompiegnefortheKing，averygoodknightandskilledcaptain，butamanwhorobbedandravishedwheresoeverhehadpower。Hisbrother，LouisdeFlavy，alsojoinedhimafterChoisyfell，asIhavetold。
AllthisIhavewrittenthatmenmayclearlyknowhowtheMaidcamebyherend。For，sosoonasEastertidewasover，andthetruceended，shemadenotarrying，norevensaidfarewelltotheKing，whomighthaveheldherback，butdrewoutallhercompany，androdenorthward，whithersheknewthatbattlewastobe。HermindwastotakesomestrongplaceontheOise，asPontl'Eveque，nearNoyon，thatshemightcutoffthemofBurgundyfromallthecountryeastwardofOise，andsoputthemoutofthepowertobesiegeCompiegne，andmightdestroyalltheirhostatMontdidierandintheBeauvaiscountry。FortheMaidwasnotonlythefirstofcaptainsinleadingadesperateonslaught，butalsobymiracle，forotherwiseitmightnotbeshebestknewhowtodevisedeepschemesandsubtlestratagemofwar。
Settingforth，therefore，earlyinApril，onthefifteenthdayofthemonthshecametoMelun，atownsomesevenleaguessouthofParis，thathadlatelyyieldedtotheKing。Biddingmewalkwithher，shewentafootaboutthewalls，consideringwhattheylackedofstrength，andhowtheymightbestberepaired，andbiddingmewritedownallinalittlebook。Nowwetwo，andnoother，werewalkingbythedryfosseofMelun，thedaybeingveryfairandwarmforthatseason，theflowersblossoming，andthebirdssingingsosweetandloudasneverIheardthembeforeorsincethatday。
TheMaidstoodstilltolisten，holdingupherhandtomeforsilence，when，lo!inonemoment，inthemidstofmerrymusic，thebirdshushedsuddenly。
AsImarvelled，fortherewasnotacloudinthesky，norabreathofcoldwind，IbeheldtheMaidstandingasIhadseenherstandinthefarmyardofthemillbySt。Denis。Herheadwasbare，andherfacewaswhiteassnow。Soshestoodwhileonemightcountahundred，andifeveranycouldsaythathehadseentheMaidunderfear，itwasnow。AsIwatchedandwondered，shefellonherknees，likeoneinprayer，andwithhereyessetandstraining，andwithclaspedhands，shesaidthesewords——"Tellmeofthatday，andthathour，orgrantme，ofyourgrace，thatinthesamehourImaydie。”
Thenshewassilentforshortspace，andthen，havingdrawnherselfuponherkneesforthreepacesorfour，sheveryreverentlyboweddown，andkissedtheground。
Thereaftershearose，andbeholdingmewan，Idoubtnot，shegentlylaidherhanduponmyshoulder，and，smilingmostsweetly，shesaid-
"Iknownotwhatthouhastseenorheard，butpromise，onthinehonour，thatthouwiltspeaknowordtoanyman，saveinconfessiononly，whileIbeararmsforFrance。”
Thenhumbly，andwithtears，Ivowedasshehadbiddenme，wheretosheonlysaid-
"Come，weloiter，andIhavemuchtodo，forthedayisshort。”
Butwhetherthebirdssangagain，orstinted，Iknownot，forI
markeditnot。
Butshesetherself，asbefore，toconsiderthewallsandthefosses，biddingmewritedowninmylittlebookwhatthingswereneedful。Norwashercountenancealteredinanyfashion，norwasherwitlessclear；butwhenwehadseenallthatwastobelookedto，shebademecallthechiefmenofthetowntoherhouse，aftervespers，andherselfwentintotheChurchofSt。Michaeltopray。
ThoughIponderedmuchonthisstrangematter，whichIlaidupinmyheart，Ineverknewwhat，belike，theimportwas，tillnighayearthereafter，atRouen。
ButthereonetoldmehowtheMaid，beforeherjudges，hadsaidthat，atMelun，bythefosse，herSaintshadtoldherhowsheshouldbemadeprisonerbeforethefeastofSt。John。Andshehadprayedthemtowarnherofthathour，orinthathourmightshedie，buttheybadeherendureallthingspatiently，andwithawillingmind。
Atthatcoming，then，oftheSaints，Iwaspresent，though，beingasinfulman，IknewnotthattheHolyOneswerethere。Butthebirdsknew，andstintedintheirsinging。
NowthattheMaid，knowingbyinspirationherhourtobeevenatthedoors，andwottingwellwhattheendofhercaptivitywasliketobe，yethadthehearttoputherselfinjeopardydaybyday，thisI
deemthemostvaliantdeedeverdonebymanorwomansincethemakingoftheworld。ForscarceevenWallacewightwouldhavestoodtohisstandardhadheknown，byteachingofthemwhocannotlie，whatendawaitedhimbeyondallhope。Nay，hewouldhavebetakenhimtoFrance，asoncehedidintimeoflessdanger。
Now，Iprayyou，considerwhoshewasthatshowedthiscourageandhighheart。Shewasbutthedaughterofamanant，agirlofeighteenyearsofage。Remember，then，whatmannerofcreaturesuchagirlisofhernature；howweakandfearful；howsheisdiscomfitedandabashedbythecompanyofevenonegentlemanorladyofnoblebirth；howignorantsheisofwar；howfondtosportandplaywithwenchesofherowndegree；howeasilysetonfireoflove；
andhoweagertobeinthesocietyofyoungmenamorous。Ponderingallthesethingsinyourhearts，judgeyewhetherthisMaid，thebravestleaderinbreach，thewisestcaptain，havingforeknowledgeofthingshiddenandofthingstocome，themostcourteousladywhoeverwithknightssatinhall，notknowingcarnallove，norbodilyfear，wasaughtbutathingmiraculous，andasisteroftheSaints。
CHAPTERXXV——OFTHEONFALLATPONTL'EVEQUE，ANDHOWNORMANLESLIE
WASHURT
Ihavenowshownwhereforethefighting，inthisspring，wastobeupanddownthewaterofOise，whencethevillagershadwithdrawnthemselves，ofnecessity，intothegoodtowns。ForthedesireoftheDukeofBurgundywastoholdtheOise，andsotakeCompiegne，thebettertoholdParis。Andonoursidetheskillwastocuthisarmyintwo，sothatfromeastofthewaterofOiseneithermennorvictualmightcometohim。
Havingthissubtledeviceofwarinhermind，theMaidrodenorthfromMelun，bytheKing'sgoodtowns，tillshecametoCompiegne，thatwasnotyetbeleaguered。Theretheydidherallthehonourthatmightbe，andthithercametoherstandardMessireJacquesdeChabennes，MessireRigaultdeFontaines，MessirePotondeXaintrailles，thebestknightthenonground，andmanyothergentlemen，somefourhundredlancesinall。{33}WiththeselancestheMaidconsortedtoattackPontl'Evequebyanightonfall。Thisisasmallbutverystronghold，ontheOise，somesixleaguesfromCompiegne，asyougouptheriver，anditliesnearthetownofNoyon，whichwasheldbytheEnglish。InPontl'EvequetherewasagarrisonofahundredlancesoftheEnglish，andourskillwastobreakontheminthegreyofdawn，whenmenleastfearasurprise，andaremosteasilytaken。BythisverydeviceLaHirehadseizedCompiegnebutsixyearsagone，whereforeourhopewasthehigher。
AboutfiveoftheclockonanAprildaywerodeoutofCompiegne，agreatcompany，——toogreat，perchance，forthatwehadtodo。Forourarmywasnighaleagueinlengthasitwentontheway，norcouldwemoveswiftly，fortherewerewaggonswithusandcarts，drawinggunsandcouleuvrinesandpowder，fascineswherewithtofillthefosses，andladdersanddoubleladdersforscalingthewalls。
Sothecaptainsorderedittobe，foreversincethatdaybyMelunfosse，whentheSaintsforetoldhercaptivity，theMaidsubmittedherselfinallthingstothecaptains，whichwasneverhermannerbefore。
Aswerodeslowly，shewasnowattheheadoftheline，nowinthemidst，nowattherear，whereverwasneed；andasIrodeatherrein，Itookhearttosay-
"Madame，itisnotthusthatwehavetakengreatkeepsandholds，inmycountry，fromourenemiesofEngland。”