et us
not harm, by our unbelief or injustice, the help which God has given us
so wonderfully.' Unhappily the French, or at least the Court, were
unbelieving, ungrateful, unjust to Joan, and so she came to die, leaving
her work half done. The Archbishop of Embrun said that Joan should
always be consulted in great matters, as her wisdom was of God. And as
long as the French took this advice they did well; when they distrusted
and neglected the Maid they failed, and were defeated and dishonoured.
Councils were now held at Tours, and time was wasted as usual. As usual,
Joan was impatient. With Dunois, who tells the story, she went to see
Charles at the castle of Loches. Some nobles and clergy were with him;
Joan entered, knelt, and embraced his knees.

'Noble Dauphin,' she said, 'do not hold so many councils, and such weary
ones, but come to Reims and receive the crown.'

Harcourt asked her if her Voices, or 'counsel' (as she called it) gave
this advice.

She blushed and said: 'I know what you mean, and will tell you gladly.'

The king asked her if she wished to speak before so many people.

Yes, she would speak. When they doubted her she prayed, 'and then she
heard a Voice saying to her:

'"_Fille De, va, va, va, je serai a ton aide, va!_"'[17]

'And when she heard this Voice she was right glad, and wished that she
could always be as she was then; and as she spoke,' says Dunois, 'she
rejoiced strangely, lifting her eyes to heaven.' And still she repeated:
'I will last for only one year, or little more; use me while you may.'

Joan stirred the politicians at last. They would go to Reims, but could
they leave behind them English garrisons in Jargeau, where Suffolk
commanded, in Meun, where Talbot was, and in other strong places?
Already, without Joan, the French had attacked Jargeau, after the rescue
of Orleans, and had failed. Joan agreed to assail Jargeau. Her army was
led by the 'fair duke,' d'Alencon. He had but lately come from prison in
England, and his young wife was afraid to let him go to war. 'Madame,'
said Joan, 'I will bring him back safe, and even better than he is now.'
We shall see how she saved his life. It was now that Guy and Andre de
Laval saw her, and wrote the description of her black horse and white
armour. They followed with her gladly, believing that with her glory was
to be won.

Let us tell what followed in the words of the Duc d'Alencon.

[Illustration: 'Now arose a dispute among the cap