I was so happy, so happy in my sweet home." But now our triumphal march was suddenly brought to a halt; for we were approaching the town of Troyes--a place of ill omen to France, and to the young King in particular, for there the shameful treaty was signed which robbed him of his crown; and great was the dissension amongst the King's counsellors as to what should be done.
The place was strong, the English garrison there large.

A summons to surrender sent on in advance had been ignored, and now came the question--should the army pass on its way to Rheims leaving this place in the rear unattacked and untaken, or should it run the risk of a long delay, and perhaps some peril and loss in attempting to reduce it?
La Hire and Dunois spoke out insistently.

At all costs the town must be taken.

It would be folly and madness to leave such a stronghold of the enemy in the rear.

Other places had fallen before the victorious Maid, and why not this?
The army would go anywhere with her.