On the 20th of May, 1430, the Duke of Burgundy came and laid siege to Compiegne.

Joan was away on an expedition to Crepy in Valois, with a small band of three or four hundred brave comrades.

On the 24th of May, the eve of Ascension-day, she learned that Compiegne was being besieged, and she resolved to re-enter it.

She was reminded that her force was a very weak one to cut its way through the besiegers' camp.

"By my martin," said she, "we are enough; I will go see my friends in Compiegne." She arrived about daybreak without hinderance, and penetrated into the town; and repaired immediately to the parish church of St.Jacques to perform her devotions on the eve of so great a festival.