第6章

Then，evenasshespoke，andasbymiracle，thatfiercewindwentrightabout，andblewstraightupthestream，andthesailsofthevesselsfilled。 \"ThisistheworkofourLord，\"saidtheBastardofOrleans，crossinghimself:andtheangerpassedfromtheeyesoftheMaid。 ThenheandNicoledeGiresmeprayedhertopassthestreamwiththem，andtoletherhostmarchbacktoBloisandsocometoOrleans，crossingbythebridgeofBlois。Tothisshesaidnay，thatshecouldnotleavehermenoutofhersight，lesttheyfelltosinagain，andallherpainswerelost。But，withmanyprayers，herconfessorPasquereljoininginthem，shewasbroughttoconsent。Sothehost，withpriestsandbanners，mustsetforthagaintoBlois，whiletheMaid，andwethatwereofhercompany，crossedtheriverinboats，andsorodetowardsthetown。Onthisway(thesameisaroadoftheoldRomans)theEnglishheldastrongfort，calledSt。 Loup，andwellmighttheyhavesalliedforthagainstus。ButthepeopleofOrleans，whoeverborethemselvesmorehardilythananytownsfolkwhomIhaveknown，madeanonfallagainstSt。Loup，thattheEnglishwithinmightnotsallyoutagainstus，wherewasfiercefighting，andtheytookastandardfromtheEnglish。 So，atnightfall，theMaid，withtheBastardandothercaptainsatherside，rodeintothetown，allthepeoplewelcomingherwithtorchesinhand，shoutingNoel!astoaking，throwingflowersbeforeherhorse\'sfeet，andpressingtotouchher，oreventheharnessofherhorse，whichleapedandplunged，forthefireofatorchcaughtthefringeofherbanner。Lightlyshespurredandturnedhim，andlightlyshecaughtattheflamewithherhandandquenchedit，whileallmenmarvelledathergraceandgoodlybearing。 NeversawImorejoyofheart，forwhereasallhadfearedtofallintothehandsoftheEnglish，nowtherewassuchcourageinthem，asifMonseigneurSt。Michaelhimself，orMonseigneurStAignan，hadcomedownfromheaventohelphisgoodtown。Iftheywerehardybefore，asindeedtheywere，nowplainlytheywerefullofsuchmightandfurythatmanmightnotstandagainstthem。AndsoonitwasplainthatnolessfearhadfallenontheEnglish。ButtheMaid，withuswhofollowedher，wasledrightthroughthegreatstreetofOrleans，fromtheBurgundygatetothegateRegnart，wherebythefightingwasevermostfell，andtherewelodgedinthehouseoftheTreasureroftheDukeofOrleans，JacquetBoucher。 Neverwassleepsweetertome，afterthetwowearymarches，andthesoundsofmusicandrevelryinthestreetdidnothumamomentinmyears，beforeIhadpassedintothatblessedworldofslumberwithoutadream。 ButmywakingnextdaybroughtinstantlythethoughtofmybrotherRobin，concerningwhomIhadeverfearedthathefellwiththeflowerofScotland，whentheComtedeClermontdesertedussoshamefullyonthedayoftheBattleoftheHerrings。Nosoonerdidthisdoubtcomeintomymind，thanIleapedfrommybed，attiredmyself，andwentforthtothequartersoftheScotsunderSirChristianChambers。LittleneedIhadtotellmyerrand，fortheythatmetmeguessedwhoIwas，because，indeed，RobinandIfavouredeachothergreatlyinfaceandbodilypresence。 ItwasevenasIhaddeemed:mydearbrotherandfriendandtutorofolddayshaddied，chargingbackupontheEnglishwhopursuedus，andfightingbythesideofPothondeXaintrailles。Allthatday，andintheweekwhichfollowed，mythoughtwaseveruponhim；alookinastranger\'sface，awordonanother\'slips，bysomemagicofthemindwouldbringmybrotheralmostvisiblybeforeme，ay，amongthenoiseofswordsonmail，andthescreamingofarrows，andofgreatcannon-balls。 IfIheardillnews，itwasnomorethanIlookedfor；butbetternews，asitseemed，Ialsoheard，though，inmysorrow，Imarkeditlittle。Forthesoldierswerelamentingthelossoftheirfamedgunner，notJohntheLorrainer，butonewhohadcometothem，theysaid，nowsomeweeksagone，intheguiseofacordelier，thoughhedidnotfightinthatgarb，butincommonattire，andeverworehisvizordown，whichmendeemedstrange。Whitherhehadgone，orhowdisappeared，theyknewnot，forhehadnotbeenwiththosewhoyesterdayattackedSt。Loup。 \"HecouldnevertholethethoughtoftheBlessedMaid，\"saidAllanRutherford，\"butwouldtellallthatlistenedhowshewasabrain- sickwench，orawitch，andunderherstandardhewouldneverfight。 Heevenavowedtousthatshehadbeenachamber-wenchofaninninNeufchateau，andtherehadlearnedtobackahorse，andmanyaworsetrick，\"whichwasaliedevisedbytheEnglishandthemofBurgundy。 But，gowherehewould，orhowhewould，IdeemeditwellthatBrotherThomasandI(forofasuretyitwasBrotherThomas)werenottomeetinOrleans。 ConcerningtheEnglishinthiswonderfuladventureofthesiege，I havenevercomprehended，nordoInowknow，whereforetheyborethemastheydid。ThattheysalliednotoutonthetrainswhichtheMaidledandbroughtintothetown，amanmightsetdowntomerecowardiceandfaintheart——theyfearingtofightagainstawitch，astheydeemedher。Inlaterbattles，whenshehadwonsomanyavictory，theymaywellhavefearedher。But，asnow，theyshowednodreadwherehonourwastobewon，butratherprideanddisdain。OnthisverySaturday，themorrowofourarrival，LaHire，withFlorentd\'Illiersandmanyotherknights，pushedforthamatteroftwobowshotsfromthecitywalls，andtookakeepthattheythoughttohaveburned。Theywereveryhardymen，andbeingcomfortedbytheMaid\'scoming，werefullofcourageandgoodwill；yettheEnglishralliedanddrovethemback，withmuchfiringofguns，andnowfirstIheardthedinofwarandsawthegreatstoneballsfly，scattering，astheyfell，intosplintersthatscreamedintheair，withaveryterriblesound。TrulytheEnglishhadthebetterofthatfray，andwerenowhitadread，foratsunsettheMaidsentthemtwoheralds，biddingthembegone；yettheyansweredonlythattheywouldburnherforawitch，andcalledheraribaulde，orloosewench，andbadehergobackandkeepherkine。 Iwaswithherwhenthismessagecame，andherbrowsmetandhereyesflashedwithanger。Tellingusofhercompanytofollow，shewenttotheFairCrossonthebridge，wherenowherimagestands，fashionedinbronze，kneelingbeforetheCross，withtheKingkneelingopposite。ThereshestoodandcriedaloudtotheEnglish，whowereinthefortontheothersideofthebridgethatiscalledLesTourelles，andhervoicerangacrossthewaterlikeatrumpet，sothatitwasmarvel。Thencameoutontothebridgeagreatknightandatall，SirWilliamGlasdale；nobiggermanhaveIseen，andIbethoughtmeofGoliathinHolyScripture。Hespokeinaloud，north-countryvoice，and，whereassheaddressedhimcourteously，asshedidallmen，hecalledherbytheworstofnames，mockingatherforaribaulde。Shemadeanswerthathelied，andthatheshoulddieinfourdays\'timeorfive，withoutstrokeofsword；andso，wavingherhandhaughtily，turnedandwentback。ButI，whowalkedclosebyher，notedthatsheweptlikeanygirlathisevilandlyingaccusations。 NextdaywasSunday，andnostrokewasstruck，buttheBastardofOrleanssetforthtobringbackthearmyfromBlois。AndonMondaytheMaidrodeoutandundertheverywallsoftheEnglishkeeps，thetownsfolkrunningbyherrein，asifsecureinhercompany；yetnomancameforthagainstthem，whichwasmarvel。AndontheWednesday，theMaid，withmanyknights，rodeforthtwoleagues，andmettheBastardofOrleansandallthearrayfromBlois，andalltheflocksandherdsthatweresenttoOrleansbythegoodtowns。RightbeneaththefortsoftheEnglishtheyrodeandmarched，withchantingofhymns，priestsleadingtheway，butnonedaredmeddlewiththem。Yetachildmighthaveseenthatnoworneverwasthechance:howbeitTalbotandGlasdaleandScales，menwelllearnedinwar，letfirenotevenasinglecannon。ItmaybethattheyfearedanattackoftheOrleansfolkontheirbastilles，iftheydrewouttheirmen。For，totelltheplaintruth，theEnglishhadnotmen- at-armsenoughforthetasktheytookinhand；buttheyoftachievemuchwithbutlittleforce，andsopresumethemore，sometimestotheirundoing。And，tilltheMaidcame，tenofthemcouldchaseahundredoftheFrench。 SotheMaidreturned，leadingthearmy，andthen，beingveryweary，shewentintoherchamber，andlaydownonacouchtosleep，heresquire，D\'Aulon，alsorestingintheroom，whereweretheladyandadaughterofthehouse，oneCharlotteBoucher。TherewasI，devisingidlywithherpage，LouisdeCoutes，aboyhalfScotsbybirth，andgood-brothertoMessireFlorentd\'Illiers，whohadmarriedhissister。Butalas!hewasmoreFrenchthanScots，andlaterhelefttheMaid。Butthenwewereplayingourselvesatthedoorofthehouse，andallwasstill，themen-at-armsreposing，aswedeemed，aftertheirmarch。ThensuddenlytheMaidranforthtous，herfacewhiteandhereyesshining，andcriedtoLouisdeCoutes，ingreatanger- \"Wretchedboy，thebloodofFranceisbeingshed，andyoutoldmenowordofit!\" \"Demoiselle，\"saidhe，trembling，\"Iwottednotofit。Whatmeanyou？\" AndIalsostoodinamaze，forwehadheardnosoundofarms。 \"Go，fetchmyhorse，\"shesaid，andwasgone。 Iwentwithhim，andwesaddledandbridledafreshcourserspeedily；butwhenwereachedthedoor，shestoodtherealreadyarmed，andsprangonthehorse，cryingforherbanner，thatDeCoutesgaveheroutoftheupperwindow。Thenherspurswereinherhorse\'sside，andthesparksflyingfrombeneathhishoofs，asshegallopedtowardsSt。Loup，theEnglishfortontheBurgundyroad。 Thitherwefollowedher，withwhatspeedwemight，yetovertardily； andwhenwecamethroughcrowdsofpeople，manybearingthewoundedonlitters，therewasshe，underthewallofthatfort，inarainofarrows，holdingupherbanner，andcryingontheFrenchandScotstothecharge。Theyansweredwithacry，andwenton，DeCoutesandI pressingforwardtobewiththem；butereeverwecouldgainthefosse，theEnglishhadbeenoverwhelmed，and，forthemorepart，slain。For，aswefound，theFrenchcaptainshadcommandedanattackonSt。Loup，andhadtoldtheMaidnowordofit，whetherasdesiringtowinhonourwithouther，ortospareherfromtheperiloftheonslaught，Iknownot。Buttheirmenweregivingground，whenbythemonitionofthesaints，asIhaveshown，shecametothemandturnedthefray。 OftheEnglish，asIsaid，mostwereslain，nathelesscertainmeninpriests\'raimentcameforthfromtheChurchofSt。Loup，andveryhumblybeggedtheirlivesoftheMaid，who，turningtoD\'Aulon，heresquire，badehim，withDeCoutesandme，andsuchmenaswecouldgather，tohavechargeofthemandbeanswerableforthem。 So，whiletheFrenchwereplundering，wemusteredthesepriestsorderlytogether，theytremblingandtellingtheirbeads，andwestoodbeforethemfortheirguard。Falsepriests，Idoubt，manyofthemwere，EnglishmenwhohadhastilydoneonsuchholyrobesastheyfoundinthechurchofStLoup。NowLouisdeCoutes，beingbutaboy，andofamadhumour，cried- \"\'Cucullusnonfacitmonachum!\'Goodsirs，letusseeyourreverendtonsures。” Withthathetwitchedthehoodfromtheheadofatallcordelier，who，withoutmoreado，felledhimtotheearthwithhisfist。 Thehoodwasoffbutforaflashoftime，yetIsawwelltheshiningwolf\'seyesandthelongdarkfaceofBrotherThomas。So，inthepicturesoftheromanceofRenardFox，haveIseenIsengrimthewolfinthefriar\'shood。 \"Felonandtraitor!\"Icried，anddrawingmysword，wasabouttorunhimthroughthebody，whenmyhandwasstunnedbyastroke，andthesworddroppedfromit。Iturned，ingreatanger，andsawtheMaid，herswordinherhand，wherewithshehadsmittenmeflatlings，andnotwiththeedge。 \"KnaveofaScot，\"shecried，\"wouldstthoustrikeaholymanandmyprisoner？VerilytheysaywellthattheScotsareallsavages。 Begonehome，tillIspeakwiththecaptainsaboutthycase!Andfortheseholymen，\"shesaidtoD\'Aulon，inasoftvoice，\"seethattheyaresafelyhousedandministeredtointheChurchofMonseigneurSt。Aignan。” WiththatIshrankbacklikeabeatenhound，andsawtheMaidnomorethatnight，asfearingherwrath。SowasIadreadandoutofallcomfort。But，whenfirstImight，IsoughtD\'AulonandtoldhimallthetaleofBrotherThomas，andalltheevilIknewofhim，aswellasIcould，andIshowedhimwhereforeIhadsoughttoslaytheman，asforswornandatraitor，whohadmanifestlyfledtotheEnglish，beingbyhisdoggishnaturetheenemyoftheMaid。Isowroughtwithhim，thoughhewasweary，andwouldscarcelistentomytale，thathepromisedtospeakformetotheMaid，withoutwhomI wasamanlost。Moreover，hesworethat，asearlyasmightbe，hewouldvisittheChurchofSt。Aignan，andthereexamineintothematterofthiscordelier，whomsomeknew，andcouldtestifyagainst，ifhewasmyman。 NomorecouldIdothatnight，butnextmorningD\'Aulonawokemealittleafterdawn。 \"Itisatruetale，\"hesaid，\"andworsethanIdeemed，foryourbirdhasflown!LastnighthesospokewithmeinthechurchwhenI lodgedhimthere，thatIreckonedhimasimplemanandapious。Buthehasvanishedfromamonghisbrethren，noneknowshoworwhither。” \"Thedevil，hismaster，knows，\"Isaid。\"Faith，hehasashrewdcareofhisown。Butthis，Imisdoubtme，isthebeginningofeviltousandtotheMaid。” \"Aknavemoreorlessisoflittlecountintheworld，\"saidhe； \"butnowImustmakeyourpeacewiththeMaid，forshespeaksofnolessthansendingyouforthfromherhousehold。” Hispromisehekeptsowell——forhewasaveryhonourableman，asanyinFrance——thattheMaidsentformeandshowedmethebestcountenance，evenbeggingmypardonwithallsweetness，andinsofairamannerthatIcouldhavewept。 \"Itwasmyfirstblowinwar，\"shesaid，smilingkindly，aswashermanner，\"andIhopetostrikenomoreaswithmyownhand，whereforeIcarrymybannertoavoidtheslayingofmen。ButverilyIdeemedthatyouwereaboutstabbingmyprisoner，andhimapriest。Belikeweshallhearnomoreofhim，andImisdoubtthatheisnotruesonofHolyChurch。To-dayletmeseeyoubearyourselfasboldlyagainstarmedmen，thatImayreportwellofyoutoyourladyandmyfriend。” Therewithsheheldoutherhandsandtookmine，asfranklyasdoesonebrotherinarmswithanother。AndIkissedherhand，andkeptmytearsinmyownheart。ButnodeadlierblowforFranceandforherselfwaseverdealtthanwhentheMaidstruckdownmysword，thatwasthirstingforthebloodofBrotherThomas，andwaswithinaninchofhisthroat。OftenhaveImarvelledhowthesaints，who，asthen，guardedher，gavehernowarning，astheydidoftheonslaughtonSt。Loup；butitmightnotbe，oritwasnottheirwill，towhichwemusthumblysubmitourselves。AndnowIthinkIseethatwolf\'sface，underthehood，withangerandfearintheominouseyes。IntheChurchofSt。Loupwefoundhim，andhewasawolfoftheholyplaces。Nonetheless，thewordsoftheMaidbroughtmorekeenlytomymindthethoughtofElliot，whominthesecrowdedhours，betweenmysorrowandanger，andfearoftheMaid\'swrath，Ihadtosomedegreeforgotten。TheywerenoworderinganonslaughtonapostoftheEnglishbeyondtheriver，andtherecameintomyheartthatverseofthe\"BookofaHundredBallades\":howalovermustpressintobreach，andmine，andescaladetowinadvancementandhislady\'sfavour；andIsworewithinmyselfthatto-dayIwouldbeamongtheforemost。 CHAPTERXIII——OFTHEFIGHTINGATLESAUGUSTINSANDTHEPROPHECYOF THEMAID JustabovethebrokenbridgeofOrleansthereisabroadisland，lyingveryneartheoppositeshore，withanarrow，swiftpassageofwaterbetweenbankandisland。Sometwofurlongshigheruptheriver，andonthefurtherbank，theEnglishhadbuiltasmallfort，namedSt。JeanleBlanc，toguardtheroad，andthithertheysentmenfromLesAugustins。Theplanofourcaptainswastocrossbyboatsontotheisland，andthencebyabridgeofplankslaidonboatstowinoverthenarrowchannel，andsomakeanonslaughtonSt。JeanleBlanc。ForthisonslaughttheMaidhadnowbeenarmedbyherwomen，andwithallhercompany，andmanyknights，wasmakingreadytocross。Butbeforeshe，orwewithher，couldattaintheshore，horsesbeingillbeastsinaboatferry，thelight-armedtownsfolkhadcrossedoveragainstSt。JeanleBlanctospyonit，andhadfoundthekeepempty，fortheEnglishhaddrawnbacktheirmentotheBastilleofLesAugustins。 Thustherewasnomoretodo，forthecaptainsdeemednotthatwewereofanyavailtoattackLesAugustins。Theywereretreatingthentothebridgeofboats，andMessiresdeGaucourt，DeVillars，andothergoodknightswereguardingtheretreat，allorderly，lesttheEnglishmightsallyoutfromLesAugustins，and，takingusintherear，mightslaymanyintheconfusionofcrossingtheboat- bridge，whentheMaidandLaHire，bygreatdintoftoil，passedtheirhorsesinaferry-boatontothefurtherbank。AtthismomenttheEnglishsalliedforth，withloudcries，fromLesAugustins，andwerefallingonourmen，who，fearingtobecutoff，begantofleedisorderly，whiletheEnglishcalledoutillwords，as\"cowards\"and\"ribaulds，\"andwereblasphemingGodthatHeshoulddamnallFrenchmen。 HereontheMaid，withherbanner，andLaHire，withlanceinrest，theytwoalone，spurredintothepress，andnowherbannerwastossingliketheflagofashipinthebreakers，andmethoughttherewasgreatjeopardylesttheyshouldbetaken。ButtheotherFrenchandScots，perceivingthebannerinsuchaperil，turnedagainfromtheirflight，andmenwhoonceturnbacktoblowsagainareilltodealwith。Striking，then，andcrying，Montjoie!St。Denis!andSt。 AndrewforScotland!theymadetheEnglishgiveground，tilltheywerewithinthepalisadeofLesAugustins，wheretheydeemedthemsafeenough。NowIhadstruggledthroughthethrongontheisland，someflying，someadvancing，aseachman\'sheartbadehim，tillI leapedintothewateruptomywaistandwontheland。ThereIwasrunningtothefrontofthefightwhenD\'Aulonwouldhavestoppedme，forhehadacommandtoholdacertainnarrowway，lesttheEnglishshoulddriveustothewateragain。 Allthiswasrightlydone，butI，hearingthecryofSt。Andrew，wasasonepossessed，andpayingnoheedtoD\'Aulon，wasforthrustingmeforward，whenacertainSpaniard，AlphonsedePartada，caughtmebythearm，andtoldme，withanoath，thatImightwellbidewherebettermenthanIwerecontenttobe。AtthisImadeanswerthatmyplacewaswiththeMaid，and，asforbettermen，biggerhemightwellbe，butI，forone，wasnotcontenttolookonidlywhereblowswerebeingdealt。HeansweredinsuchtermsthatIbadehimfollowme，andseewhichofuswouldfarefurthestintothepress。 \"AndforthatyoumaybeswifteroffootthanI，asyouhavelongerlegs，\"Icried，\"clasphandsonthisbargain，andletusreachthepalisadeswiththesamestep。” Tothisheagreed，andD\'Aulonnotrefusingpermission(forhelovedtolookonavaillance)，we，claspinghands，rantogetherswiftly，andstruckourswordsinthesamemomentagainstthewoodenfence。 Alittleopeningtherewas，notyetclosed，orhethatkeptitdeemedhemightwinmorehonourbyholdingitwithhisbody。Hewasagreatknightandtall，wellarmed，theredcrossofSt。Georgeonhisbreast，andhefoughtwithamightysword。Together，then，wemadeathim，twotoone，asneedsmustbe，forthiswasnogentlepassageofarms，butopenbattle。OnesweepofhisswordImadeshifttoavoid，butthenextlightingonmysalade，drovemestaggeringbackformoreyardsthantwoorthree，andIreeledandfellonmyhands。WhenIrose，AlphonsedePartadawasfallingbeneathasword-stroke，andIwasforrunningforwardagain；butlo! thegreatEnglishknightleapedintheair，andso，turning，fellonhisface，hishandsgraspingatthegroundandhisfeetkicking。 LaterIheardfromD\'AulonthathehadbiddenJohntheLorrainermarkthemanwithhiscouleuvrine，forthathedidovermuchmischief。But，thinkingofnoughtsavetobeforemostinthebreach，Iranin，stumblingoverthedeadman\'sbody，andshoulderedatthesametimebyAlphonse，whowardedoffastabofapikethatwasdealtatme。Thenitwasafairmellay，ourmenpressingafterusthroughthegap，anddrivingusforwardbymereweightofonset，theycomingwithallspeedagainstourenemiesthatrantogetherfromallpartsofthekeep，andsoleftbarethefurtherwall。Itwasbodytobody，weightagainstweight，shortstrokesatclosequarters，and，overourheads，billsstrikingandfoiningattheEnglish。Eachmansmotewherehecould；wewaveredandswayed，nowoffourfeetinthepress，nowmakingsomeyardofground，andevilwasthesmellandthickthedustthatarose。Meanwhilecamethesoundoftherivingofplanksfromtheothersideofthepalisade； abovethesteelpointsandthedustIsawtheMaid\'spennonadvancingwiththefaceofmyladypaintedthereon，andIpressedtowardsit，crying\"St。Andrew\"withsuchbreathaswasinme。ThenrangouttheMaid\'svoice，likeaclarion，\"St。Denis!\"andso，strokeechoingstroke，anddaggersgoingatclosequarters，beatenonandblinded，deafandbreathless，nowup，nowdown，westaggeredforward，tillIandtheMaidstoodsidebyside，andtheEnglishbroke，somefalling，someflyingtotheout-gate。 And，whenallwasdone，therewasI，knowinglittleenoughofwhathadcomeandgone，dazed，withmyswordbloodyandbent，myheadhumming，andmyfootonthebreastofanEnglishknight，oneRobertHeron。HimItooktoprisoner，rescueornorescue，andsosatwedown，veryweary，inthemidstofbloodandbrokenarms，formanyhadbeenslainandafewtaken，thoughthemoreparthadfledintotheboulevardofLesTourelles。Andhere，withajoyousface，andthevizorofherhelmraised，stoodtheMaid，herswordsheathed，wavingherbannerinthesightoftheEnglishthatwereonthebridgefort。 Natheless，herjoywasbutforamoment，andsoonwassheseatedlowlyontheground，holdinginherarmstheheadofanEnglishknight，sorewounded，forwhomherconfessor，FatherPasquerel，wasdoingtheofficesofreligion。Tearswererunningdownhercheeks，evenasifhehadbeenoneofherownpeople；andso，comfortingandhelpingthewoundedasshemight，sheabodetillthedarknesscame，andthecaptainshadmadeshifttorepairthefortressandhadsetguardsallorderly。Andalltheriverwasdarkwithboatscomingandgoing，theirlanternsglitteringonthestream，andtheywereladenwithfoodandmunitionsofwar。InoneoftheseboatsdidtheMaidcrosstheriver，takingwithherusofhercompany，andspeakingtome，aboveothers，inthemostgraciousmanner，forthatIhadbeenthefirst，withthatSpanishgentleman，topasswithintheEnglishpalisade。Andnowmyheartwaslight，thoughmyfleshwasveryweary，forthatIhaddonemydevoir，andtakenthefirstfruitsofElliot\'sweddingportion。NoheavyransomIputonthatknight，SirRobertHeron，anditwashonourablypaidinnolongtime，thoughheilllikedyieldinghimtoonethathadnotgainedhisspurs。Butitwasfortuneofwar。So，halfinadream，wereachedourhouse，andtherewasthegreatestconcourseoftownsfolkclamouringinthepraiseoftheMaid，whoshowedherselftothemfromthewindow，andpromisedthatto-morrowtheyshouldtakeLesTourelles。ThatnightwasFriday，yet，sowornwereweallthattheMaidbadeussup，andherselftooksomemeatandalittlewineinherwater，thoughcommonlyshefastedonFriday。Andnowwewereabouttobounusforbed，andtheMaidhadrisen，andwasstandingwithherarmspassedabouttheneckofthedaughterofthehouse，afairlassandmerry，calledCharlotteBoucher，whoalwayslaywithher(forshehadgreatjoytobewithgirlsofherownage)，whentherecamethesoundofadagger-hiltbeatingatthedoor。Weopened，andtherestoodatallknight，wholoutedlowtotheMaid，capinhand，andshebadehimdrinktothetakingofLesTourellesthatshouldbeto-morrow。 Buthe，withtheflagonfullinhishands，andwithalathirstylookuponhisface，shookhishead。 \"Toanotherpledge，Maiden，Iwillgladlydrink，namely，tothebravestdamselunderthesky。” Andtherewithhedrankdeep。 \"ButnowIamsentfromGaucourt，andtheBastard，forallthecaptainsareincounselagain。Andtheybidmetellyouthatenoughhathbeendone，andtheyarerightwellcontent。Butwearefewagainstsogreatahost，inaplacesostrongthatmenmaynotavailtomasteritbymainforce。Thecityisnowwellseeninallmannerofvictual；moreover，wecannowcomeandgobySologneandtheleftbank。TheskillisthereforetoholdthecitytilltheEnglishwaxwearyanddepart，ortillwehavesuccouranewfromtheKing。 Thereforeto-morrowthemen-at-armsshalltakerest，havinggreatneedthereof；andtherefore，gentleMaid，pardonmethatIdranknottothepledgewhichaladycalled。” Thenhedrainedtheflagon。 TheMaid，holdingthegirlCharlotteyetclosertoher，smoteherrighthandonthetable，sothatitdirled，andthecupsanddishesleaped。 \"Youhavebeenwithyourcounsel，\"shecried，\"andIhavebeenwithmine!ThecounselofMessirewillstandfastandprevail，andyoursshallperish，foritisofmen。Goback，andbearmywordstothecaptains，\"quothshe；andthen，turningtous，wholookedonherinamazement，shesaid- \"Doyeallriserightearly，andmorethanyehavedoneto-dayshallyedo。Keepeverclosebymeinthemellay，forto-morrowIshallhavemuchtodo，andmorethaneveryetIdid。Andto-morrowshallmybloodleapfrommybody，abovemybreast，foranarrowshallsmitehere!\"andshestrucktheplacewithherhand。 Thereontheknight，seeingthatshewasnottobemoved，madehisobeisance，andwentbacktothemthatsenthim，andallwelaydowntosleepwhilewemight。 ThesewordsoftheMaidI，NormanLeslie，heard，andbearrecordthattheyaretrue。 CHAPTERXIV——OFTHEFIGHTINGATTHEBRIDGE，ANDOFTHEPRIZEWONBY NORMANLESLIEFROMTHERIVER OnthatnightIsleptsoft，andwokeoft，beingutterlyforedone。 InthegreydawnIawoke，andgavealittlecough，when，lo!therecameahotsweetgushintomymouth，andgoingtothewindow，IsawthatIwasspittingofblood，belikefrommyoldwound。Itisastrangethingthat，therewith，asicknesscameoverme，andacoldfitasoffear，thoughfearIhadfeltnonewheremenmetinheatofarms。Nonetheless，seeingthatto-day，ornever，Iwastobemadeormarred，Ispokeofthematterneithertomannorwoman，butdrinkingalongdraughtofverycoldwater，Ispatsomedealmore，andthenitstanched，andIarmedmeandsatdownonmybed。 Mythoughts，asIwaitedforthefirststirinthehouse，werenotglad。Birdsweresinginginthegardentrees；allelsewasquiet，asifmenwerenotwakingtoslayeachotherandpassunconfessedtotheiraccount。Therecameonmeagreatsicknessofwar。YesterdaytheboulevardofLesAugustins，whenthefightwasover，hadbeenashambles；whitebodiesthathadbeenstrippedoftheirarmourlayhereandtherelikesheeponahillside，andwerenowsmirchedwithdust，athingunseemly。IputittomyselfthatIwasengaged，ifevermanwas，inarighteousquarrel，fightingagainstcrueloppression；andIwasundertheprotectionofonesent，asIverilybelieved，byHeaven。 Butbloodrunstardyinthecolddawn；mythoughtswerechilled，andIdeemed，tospeaksooth，thatIcarriedmydeathwithinme，frommyoldwound，and，evenifunhurt，couldscarceescapeoutofthatday\'slabourandlive。Isaidfarewelltolifeandthesun，inmyownmind，andtoElliot，thinkingofwhom，withwhattendernessshehadnursedme，andofhermirthandpitifulheart，Icouldscarceforbearfromweeping。OfmybrotheralsoIthought，andindeathitseemedtomethatwecouldscarcelybedivided。ThenmythoughtwentbacktoolddaysofchildhoodatPitcullo，oldwanderingsbyEdenbanks，oldkindnessandoldquarrels，andIseemedtoseeavisionofagreattree，growingaloneoutofalittlemound，bymyfather\'sdoor，whereRobinandIwouldplay\"WillieWastleinhiscastle，\"forthatwasourfirstmannerofholdingasiege。Aman- at-armshaslittletomakewithsuchfancies，andwellIwotthatRandalRutherfordtroubledhimselftherewithinnomanner。Butnowtherecameanironfootsteponthestairs，andtheMaid\'svoicerangclear，andpresentlytherearosethesoundofhammersonrivets，andallthedinofmensaddlinghorsesandsharpeningswords，soIwentforthtojoinmycompany。 StiffandsorewasI，andfeltasifIcouldscarceraisemysword- arm；butthesightoftheMaid，allgleaminginherharness，andclearofvoice，andswiftofdeed，likeSt。Michaelwhenhemarshalledhisangelsagainsttheenemiesofheaven，drovemybroodingthoughtscleanoutofmind。Thesunshoneyellowandslantingdownthestreets；outoftheshadowoftheminstercamethebells，ringingforwar。Thearmedtownsfolkthrongedtheways，andoneman，oldandill-clad，broughttotheMaidagreatfishwhichhehadcaughtovernightintheLoire。Ourhostprayedhertowaittillitshouldbecooked，thatshemightbreakfastwell，forshehadmuchtodo。Yetshe，whoscarceseemedtolivebyearthlymeat，butbythewillofGod，tookonlyasopofbreaddippedinwine，andgailyleapingtoherselleandgatheringthereins，asaladyboundforahuntingwherenofearwas，shecried，\"Keepthefishforsupper，whenIwillbringbackagoddon{25}prisonertoeathispart。Andto-night，gentlesir，myhost，Iwillreturnbythebridge!\"——which，aswedeemed，mightinnomannerbe，foranarchofthebridgewasbroken。Thereonweallmounted，androdedowntotheBurgundygate，thewomenwatchingus，andcastingflowersbeforetheMaiden。Butwhenwewonthegate，behold，itwaslocked，andtworanksofmen- at-arms，withlanceslevelled，wearingthecoloursoftheSieurdeGaucourt，weredrawnupbeforeit。Thatlordhimself，inharness，butbare-headed，stoodbeforehismen，andcried，\"Herebyisnopassage。To-daythecaptainsgivecommandthatnoforcestirfromthetown。” \"To-day，\"quoththeMaid，\"shallwetakeLesTourelles，andto- morrownotagoddon，saveprisonersandslainmen，shallbewithinthreeleaguesofOrleans。Gentlesir，bidopenthegate，forto-dayhaveIworktodo。” ThereatGaucourtshookhishead，andfromthemultitudeoftownsfolkroseonegreatangryshout。Theywouldburnthegate，theycried； theywouldfirethetown，buttheywouldfollowtheMaidandtheguidanceofthesaints。 Thereonstonesbegantofly，andarbalestswerebended，tilltheMaidturned，and，facingthethrong，herbannerliftedasinanger- \"Back，mygoodfriendsandpeopleofOrleans，\"shesaid，\"backandopentheposterndoorinthegreattowerontheriverwall。ByonewayoranothershallImeettheEnglishthisday，norshallmightofmanpreventme。” Thenmanyranback，andsooncamethecrythattheposternwasopened，andthitherstreamedthethrong。ThereforeGaucourtsawwellthatanonslaughtwouldverilybemade；moreover，asamanwiseinwar，heknewthatthetownsfolk，thatday，wouldbehardtohold，andwouldgofar。Soheevenyielded，notungraciously，andsendingamessengertotheBastardandthecaptains，herodeforthfromtheBurgundyGatebythesideoftheMaid。Hewas，indeed，littlemindedtomisshispartofthehonour；norweretheothercaptainsmorebackward，forscarcehadwetakenboatandreachedthefartherbank，whenwesawthebannersoftheBastardandLaHire，Florentd\'IlliersandXaintrailles，ChambersandKennedy，abovetheheadsofthearmedmenwhostreamedforthbythegateofBurgundy。Lessorderlywasnofighteverbegun，butthesaintswereofourparty。 ItwasthewisemanneroftheMaidtostrikeswift，blowuponblow，eachstrokefindinglessresistanceamongtheenemy，thathadbeenusedtoalaggardwar，forthenitwasthemannerofcaptainstodallyforweeksormonthsroundatown，castle，orotherkeep，andtheskillwastostarvetheenemy。ButthemanneroftheMaidwasevertosendclouduponcloudofmentomakeescaladebyladders，theircomradesaidingthemfromundercoverwithfireofcouleuvrinesandbows。EvensofoughtthatfamedKnightofBrittany，SirBertrandduGuesclin。Buthewaslongdead，andwhethertheMaid(whohonouredhismemorygreatly)foughtasshedidthroughhisexample，orbydirectteachingofthesaints，Iknownot。 Ifdisorderlywebegan，thefaultwassoonamended；theywhohadbeleagueredtheboulevardallnightweresetintherear，torestoutofshot；thefreshmenwerearrayedundertheirbanners，invineyardsandunderthewallsoffields，sothatifonecompanywasdrivenbackanotherwasreadytocomeon，thattheEnglishmighthavenoreposefrombattle。 Now，themanneroftheboulevardwasthis:first，therewasastrongpalisade，andmanymenmusteredwithinit；thencameawide，deep，dryfosse；thenastrongwallofearth，boundinwithwithesandpalisaded，andwithinitthegateoftheboulevard。Whenthatwaswon，andtheboulevardtaken，mendefendingitmightfleeacrossadrawbridge，overastream，narrowanddeepandswift，intoLesTourellesitself。HeretheyweresafefromthemonthesideofOrleans，byreasonofthebrokenarchofthebridge。Sostrongwasthistower，thatMonseigneurtheDucd\'Alencon，visitingitlater，saidhecouldhavestakedhisduchyonhisskilltoholditforaweekatleast，withbutfewmen，againstalltheforcesinFrance。 ThecaptainoftheEnglishwasthatGlasdalewhohadreviledtheMaid，andconcerningwhomshehadprophesiedthatheshoulddiewithoutstrokeofsword。TherewasnofiercersquireinEngland，andhismenwerelikehimself，beingpickedandchosenforthatpost；moreovertheirbackswereatthewall，fortheFrenchandScotsoncewithintheboulevard，itwasinnowiseeasyforTalbottobringtheEnglisharescue，aswasseen。 Thebattlebeganwithshootingofcouleuvrinesatthepalisade，toweakenit，anditwasmarveltoseehowtheMaidherselflaidtheguns，ascunninglyasherowncountryman，thefamedLorrainer。Now，whentherewasabreachinthepalisade，Xaintraillesledonhiscompany，splendidinarmour，forhewasaverybraveyoungknight。 Wesawthepalesfallwithacrash，andthemengoin，andheardthecryofbattle；butslowly，onebyone，theystaggeredback，somefalling，somereelingwounded，androllingtheirbodiesoutofarrow-shot。Andthere，inthebreach，shonetheback-plateofXaintrailles，hisaxefallingandrising，andnotonefoothebudged，tillthemenofLaHire，withacry，brokeintobackhim，andafteralittlespace，swordsfellandrosenomore，butwesawthebannerswavingofXaintraillesandLaHire。Soonthesideofthepalisadetowardsuswasalldown，asifonehadsweptitflatwithhishand，buttherestoodtheearthenwalloftheboulevard，beyondthefosse。Then，allorderly，marchedforthabandofmeninthecoloursofFlorentd\'Illiers，bearingscaling-ladders，andsobegantheescalade，theirfriendsbackingthembyshootingofarbalestsfrombehindtheremnantofthepalisade。Aladderwouldbesetagainstthewall，andwecouldseemenwithshields，ordoors，orsquaresofwoodontheirheadstofendoffstones，swarmupit，andaxesflashingonthecrestofthewall，andarrowsflying，andsmokeofguns:butthesmokecleared，andlo!theladderwasgone，andthethreelibbardsgrinnedontheflagofEngland。Sowentthewar，companyaftercompanystaggeringthinnedfromthefosse，andre-formingbehindthecoverofthevineyards； companyaftercompanymarchingforth，freshandglorious，tofareastheirfriendshadfared。Andever，witheachcompany，wenttheMaidattheirhead，andD\'Aulon，shecryingthattheplacewastheirsandnowwasthehour!Butthedaywentby，tillthesunturnedinheaventowardsevening，andnomorewasdone。TheEnglish，insooth，showednofearnorfaintheart；withaxe，andsword，andmace，andwiththeirveryhandstheysmoteandgrappledwiththeclimbers，andIsawatallman，hisswordbeingbroken，strikedownaFrenchknightwithhismailedfist，anddraganotherfromaladderandtakehimcaptive。Boldlytheyshowedthemselvesonthecrest，runningallriskofourarrows，asourmendidoftheirs。 NowcametheScots，underKennedy。Agallantsightitwastoseethemadvance，shouldertoshoulder——ScotsoftheMarchesandtheLennox，Fife，Argyll，andtheIsles，allgentlemenborn。 \"Comeon!\"criedRandalRutherford。\"Comeon，menoftheMarches，ScotsoftheForest，Elliots，Rutherfords，Armstrongs，anddeemthat，wheresoeveraSouthronslinksbehindastone，thereisCarlislewall!\" TheRoughClanroared\"Bellenden!\"theBuchananscried\"ClareInnis，\"aragofahairyHighlanderfromtheLennoxblewawildskirlonthewar-pipes，andhearingtheBordersloganshoutedinastrangecountry，nomDieu!mybloodburned，asthatofanyScotsmanwould。ContrarytotheMaid\'sdesire，forshehadnotedthatIwaswanandweary，andhadcommandedmetobideincover，Icried\"A Leslie!aLeslie!\"andwentforwardwithmyownfolk，swordinhandandbucklerlifted。 BesidegoodRandalRutherfordIran，andwebothleapedtogetherintotheditch。Therewasaforestofladderssetagainstthewall，andIhadmyfootonarung，whentheMaidranupandcried，\"NomDieu!whatmakeyouhere？LetmeleadmyScots\"；andso，pennonandaxeinherlefthand，shelightlyleapedontheladder，andarrowsringingonhermail，andagreatstoneglancingharmlessfromhersalade，shesoclimbedthatmylady\'sfaceonthepennonaboveherlookeddownintotheEnglishkeep。 But，eventhen，Isawafaceatanarchere，anillfaceandfell，thewolf\'seyesofBrotherThomasglancingalongthestockofanarbalest。 \"Gardez-vous，Pucelle，gardez-vous!\"Icriedinherear，forIwasnextherontheladder；butaboltwhistledandsmoteherfull，andreeling，shefellintomyarms。 Iturnedmybacktoguardher，andfeltaboltstrikemyback-piece； thenwewereinthefosse，andalltheScotsthatmightbewerebetweenherandharm。Swiftlytheyboreheroutofthefray，intoalittlegreenvineyard，wherewasasoftgrassyditch。ButtheEnglishsocriedtheirhurrah，thatitwasmarvel，andourmengavebackinfear；andhadnottheBastardcomeupwithafreshcompany，verifywemightwellhavebeensweptintotheLoire。 SomewhileIremainedwithRutherford，Kennedy，andmanyothers，forwhatcouldweavailtohelptheMaid？andtorunhasanilllook，andgivesgreathearttoanenemy。Moreover，thatsayingoftheMaidcameintomymind，thatsheshouldbesmittenofabolt，butnotuntodeath。SoIevenabodebythefosse，andhavingfoundanarbalest，mydesirewastowinachanceofslayingBrotherThomas，whereforeIkeptmyeyesonthatarcherewhencehehadshot。Butnoarbalestwaspointedthence，andthefightflagged。Onbothsidesmenwereweary，andtheytooksomemeatastheymight，noladdersbeingnowsetonthewall。 ThenIdeemeditnoharmtoslipbacktothevineyardwheretheMaidlay，andthereImetthegoodFatherPasquerel，thatwasherconfessor。Hetoldmethatnowshewasquiet，eitherprayingorasleep，forhehadleftherasstillasababeinitscradle，herpagewatchingher。Thebolthadspedbyarivetofherbreast- piece，cleanthroughherbreasthardbelowtheshoulder，anditstoodahand-breadthoutbeyond。Thenshehadweptandtrembled，seeingherownblood；butpresently，withsuchmightandcourageaswasmarvel，shehaddraggedouttheboltwithherownhands。Thentheyhadlaidonthewoundcottonsteepedwitholiveoil，forshewouldnotabidethattheyshouldsteeptheboltwithweaponsalveandcharmthehurtwithasong，asthesoldiersdesired。ThenshehadconfessedherselftoPasquerel，andsohadlaindownamongthegrassandtheflowers。ButitwasPasquerel\'sdesiretoletferryheracrosssecretlytoOrleans。Thiswasanillhearingforme，yetitwasputaboutinthearmythattheMaidhadbuttakenaslightscratch，andagainwouldleaduson，athingwhichIwelldeemedtobeimpossible。Sothedaywaxedlate，andfewonslaughtsweremade，andthesewithnogreatheart，theEnglishstandingonthewallsandopenlymockingus。 TheyaskedhowitwentwiththeMaid，andwhethershewouldnotfainbeathomeamongherkine，orinthegreasykitchen？Wewouldcryback，andformyownpartIbadethemseekthekitchenaspock- puddingsandbelly-gods，andthatIcriedintheirowntongue，whilethey，tomygreatamaze，calledme\"prenticeboy\"and\"jackanapes。” HereinIsawthecraftanddevilishenmityofBrotherThomas，andwellIguessedthathehadgottensightofme；buthisfaceIsawnot。 Illnamesbreaknobones，andarrowsfromundercoverwroughtslightscathe；soonelastchargetheBastardcommanded，andledhimself，andasoretussletherewasthattimeonthewall-crest，oneortwoofourmenleapingintothefort，whencetheycamebacknomore。 Nowitwaseighthoursoftheevening，theskygrey，themenout- wornandoutofallheart，andthecaptainsweregatheredincouncil。OfthisIconceivedtheworsthope，forafteracounselmenseldomfight。SoIwatchedthefortrightsullenly，andthetownofOrleanslookingblackagainstared，loweringskyinthewest。SomeconcourseoftownsfolkIsawonthebridge，besidethebrokenarch，andbytheBoulevardBelleCroix；butIdeemedthattheyhadonlycometoseethefrayasnearasmightbe。Otherswerebusyundertheriverwallwithagreatblackboat，beliketoferryoverthehorsesfromourside。 Allseemedended，andImisdoubtedthatwewouldscarcechargeagainsobrisklyinthemorning，nay，wemightwellhavetoguardourowngates。 AsIsatthus，ponderingbythevineyardditch，theMaidstoodbymesuddenly。Herhelmetwasoff，herfacedeadlywhite，hereyesliketwostars。 \"Bringmemyhorse，\"shesaid，sosternlythatIcrushedtheansweronmylips，andtheprayerthatshewouldriskherselfnomore。 Herhorse，thathadbeencroppingthegrassnearhimhappilyenough，Ifound，andbroughttoher，andso，withsomeado，shemountedandrodeatafoot\'spacetothelittlecrowdofcaptains。 \"Maiden，mamie，\"saidtheBastard。\"GladIamtoseeyouabletomount。Wehavetakencounseltowithdrawforthisnight。Martin，\" hesaidtohistrumpeter，\"soundtherecall。” \"Iprayyou，sir，\"shesaidveryhumbly，\"grantmebutalittlewhile\"；andsosaying，shewithdrewalonefromthethrongofmenintothevineyard。 WhatpassedthereinIknownotandnomanknows；butinaquarterofanhour\'sspaceshecameforth，likeanotherwoman，herfacebrightandsmiling，hercheekslikethedawn，andsobeautifulthatwemarvelledonherwithreverence，asifwehadseenanangel。 \"Theplaceisours!\"shecriedagain，andspurredtowardsthefosse。 Thenceherbannerhadnevergoneback，forD\'Aulonhelditthere，tobeaterrortotheEnglish。EvenatthatmomenthehadgivenittoacertainBasque，averybraveman，forhehimselfwasout-wornwithitsweight。AndhehadchallengedtheBasquetodoavaillance，orboastfuldeedofarms，asyesterdayIandtheSpaniardhaddone。SoD\'Aulonleapedintothefosse，hisshieldup，defyingtheEnglish； buttheBasquedidnotfollow，fortheMaid，seeingherbannerinthehandsofamanwhomsheknewnot，laidholdofit，crying，\"Ha，monestandart!monestandart!\" There，astheystruggledforit，theBasquebeingmindedtofollowD\'Aulontothewallfoot，thebannerwildlywaved，andallmensawit，andrallied，andflockedamaintotherescue。 \"Charge!\"criedtheMaid。\"Forward，FrenchandScots；theplaceisyours，whenoncemybannerfringetouchesthewall!\" Withthatwordthewindblewoutthebannerfringe，andsosuddenlythat，thoughIsawthematter，Iscarceknewhowitwasdone，thewholehostswarmedupandon，ladders，lifted，andsofuriouslywentthey，thattheywonthewallcrestandleapedwithinthefort。ThenthemorepartoftheEnglish，adread，asIthink，atthesightoftheMaidwhomtheyhaddeemedslain，fledmadlyoverthedrawbridgeintoLesTourelles。 Thenstandingonthewallcrest，whitherIhadclimbed，Ibeheldstrangesights。First，throughthedimnessofthedusk，Isawamanarmed，walkingasdoesarope-dancer，balancinghimselfwithhisspear，acrosstheemptyair，forsoitseemed，abovethebrokenarchofthebridge。Thisappeared，inverysooth，tobeamiracle；but，gazinglonger，IsawthatagreatbeamhadbeenlaidbythemofOrleanstospanthegap，andnowotherbeamswerebeingset，andmanymen，bearingtorches，werefollowingthatgoodknight，NicoleGiresme，whofirstshowedthewayoversuchabridgeofdread。SonowweretheEnglishinLesTourellesbetweentwofires。 AnotherstrangesightIsaw，forinthatswiftandnarrowstreamwhichthedrawbridgespannedwherebytheEnglishfledwasmooredagreatblackbarge，itsstemandsternshowingoneithersideofthebridge。Boatswerebeingswiftlypulledforthfromitintothestream，andasIgazed，thereleapedupthroughthedarkonelongtongueoffire。ThenIsawtheskillofit，namely，toburndownthedrawbridge，andsocuttheEnglishofffromallsuccour。Fedwithpitchandpinetheflamesoaredlustily，andnowitshonebetweentheplanksofthedrawbridge。Onthestoneplatformoftheboulevard，whereinthedrawbridgewaslaid，stoodafewEnglish，andabovethemshonetheaxeofatallsquire，Glasdale，asitfellonshieldandhelmoftheFrench。Othersheldusatbaywithlonglances，andneversawIanyknightdohisdevoirmorefiercelythanhewhohadreviledtheMaid。Foronhisheadlayalltheblameofthetakingoftheboulevard。TorearofhimrangtheshoutsofthemofOrleans，whohadcrossedthebrokenarchbythebeam；butheneverturnedabout，andourmenreeledbackbeforehim。Thenthereshonebehindhimtheflamesfromtheblazingbarge；andso，blackagainstthatblaze，hesmoteandslew，notknowingthatthedrawbridgebegantoburn。 OnthistheMaidranforth，andcriedtohim-