The tower could spout fire and smoke like a living monster.

Already the troops had marched far and fought hotly.
Surely if assault were to be made it should wait for another day.
Thus they communed together a stone's throw from the Maid; but she only looked upon them with her deep inward smile, and softly I heard her speak the words: "No, it must be done today." De Gamache rode up, and some half dozen other officers with him.
His face was stained with blood and blackened by smoke.

He had a scarf bound about his left arm; but his bearing was bold and resolute, and though his cheek flushed at the clear, direct gaze of the Maid's eyes, he neither faltered nor trembled as he stood before her.
"You did desire a good thing, my Captain," she said, "and had you told me of your brave wish, I would have put myself at your head and led you to victory forthwith.

Yet this victory has not been forfeited, only delayed by your eager rashness.

Say, if I lead you myself, this very hour, against yon frowning tower, will you follow me like brave soldiers of the Cross, and not turn back till my Lord has given us the victory?
For He will deliver yon place into our hands, albeit not without bloodshed, not without stress or strife.
Many must be slain ere we can call it ours, but will you follow and take it ?" The shout which arose from a thousand throats rang to the welkin, and methinks must have smote with dread import upon the English ears.