As for the King and his Ministers, they are divided in mind 'twixt hope and fear; but truly matters are come to such desperate pass with us that, if some help come not quickly, the King will flee him away from his distracted realm, and leave the English and Burgundians to ravage and subdue at will!" "God forbid!" said I, and crossed myself.
Scarce had I spoken the words before I saw approaching us on her chestnut charger the Maid herself, who rode forward to meet us at a foot's pace, and reined back a few yards from us, her eyes fixed full upon the face of Sir Guy, who uncovered, I scarce know why, for how should he know that this youthful soldier was indeed the Maid herself?
"You come from the Dauphin," she said; "go tell him that the darkest hour but heralds the dawn.

He must not flee away.

He must stay to face his foes.

I will lead his armies to victory, and he shall yet be crowned King of France.

Let him never speak more of deserting his realm.