Perchance now that you have seen her thus face to face, your thoughts towards her will somewhat change." They gazed at me and at one another in amaze.

They broke into questions, eager and full of curiosity.

When I had answered them they were ready to tell me what was spoken of her in the English ranks; all averred that some strange power seemed to fall upon them with the advent of the Maid into the city--a power that withheld them from sallying forth to hinder her coming, or that of the relieving army.
"We had meant to fight her to the death," spoke one English knight.
"I was in counsel with the Generals when it was so proposed; and yet more resolved were we to keep out the army from Blois, which we heard must needs pass straight through our lines--an easy prey, we said, to our gunners, archers and swordsmen.

All was in readiness for the attack--and yet no word was ever given.

No trumpet sounded, though the men were drawn up ready.