"I have no power to cure you," said Joan, "but go back to your wife and help me in that for which God ordains me." The duke ordered her four golden crowns, and she returned to Vaucouleurs, thinking of nothing but her departure.

There was no want of confidence and good will on the part of the inhabitants of Vaucouleurs in forwarding her preparations.

John of Metz, the knight charged to accompany her, asked her if she intended to make the journey in her poor red rustic petticoats.

"I would like to don man's clothes," answered Joan.

Subscriptions were made to give her a suitable costume.
She was supplied with a horse, a coat of mail, a lance, a sword, the complete equipment, indeed, of a man-at-arms; and a king's messenger and an archer formed her train.