19/98 P.Mantellier, _Histoire du siege_, Orleans, 1867, in 8vo, p.24.Lottin, _Recherches sur Orleans_, vol.i, p. 141.] The inhabitants of Orleans were resolved to fight, not for their honour indeed; in those days no honour redounded to a citizen from the defence of his own city; his only reward was the risk of terrible danger. When the town was captured the great and wealthy had but to pay ransom and the conqueror entertained them well; the lesser and poorer nobility ran greater risks. In this year, 1428, the knights, who defended Melun and surrendered after having eaten their horses and their dogs, were drowned in the Seine. |