But first she must take the towns which the English hold on Loire side, such as Jargeau.

Now on Jargeau, while you lay knowing nothing, the Bastard of Orleans, and Xaintrailles, and other good knights, made an onslaught, and won nothing but loss for their pains, though they slew Messire Henry Bisset, the captain of the town.

But if the Maid takes Jargeau, the Dauphin will indeed believe in her and follow her." "He is hard of heart to believe, and would that I were where he should be--under her holy pennon, for thereon, at least, I should see the face painted of my lady.

But how does all this bring me nearer the hope of hearing about her, and how she fares ?" "There are many messengers coming and going to Tours, for the Dauphin is gathering force under the Maid, and has set the fair Duc d'Alencon to be her lieutenant, with the Bastard, and La Hire, and Messire Florent d'Illiers.

And all are to be here in Orleans within few days; wherefore now write to the father of thy lady, and I will myself write to her." With that she gave me paper and pen, and I indited a letter to my master, telling him how I had lain near to death of my old wound, in Orleans, and that I prayed him of his goodness to let me know how he did, and to lay me at the feet of my lady.