But a league's distance from Avignon a magnificent triumphal reception awaited her.

Louis of Tarentum and all the cardinals present at the court had come out to meet her.

Pages in dazzling dress carried above Joan's head a canopy of scarlet velvet, ornamented with fleur-de-lys in gold and plumes.

Handsome youths and lovely girls, their heads crowned with flowers, went before her singing her praise.

The streets were bordered with a living hedge of people; the houses were decked out; the bells rang a triple peal, as at the great Church festivals.