The Generals of the army openly scoff and jeer.

Some say that if the Maid be sent to Orleans, both La Hire and Dunois will forthwith retire, and refuse all further office there.

What can a peasant maid know of the art of war?
they ask, and how can she command troops and lead them on to victory, where veterans have failed again and again?
And then the King knows not what to reply--" "But she hath given him wherewith to reply!" broke out Bertrand, with indignation in his tones.

"She comes not in her own strength, but as the envoy of the King of Heaven.

Is that not enough ?" "Enough for us who have seen and heard her," answered Sir Guy; "but will it prove enough for those who only hear of her from others, and who call her a witch, and say that she works by evil spells, and has been sent of the Devil for our deception and destruction and undoing ?" "Then let them send for one of the Generals from Orleans, and let him judge for himself!" cried Bertrand hotly; "you say the city is not so closely blockaded but that with care and caution men may get in or out?
Then let some one send and fetch one of these commanders; and if he be not convinced when he sees her, then he will be of very different stuff from all else who have doubted, but whose doubts have been dispelled." "In faith, that is no bad thought," spoke De Boisi thoughtfully, "and I trow it might be possible of accomplishment.