What did she mean by these words ?--this Heaven-sent Maid to whom we owed so much?
Surely she did not think to leave us just in the hour of her supreme triumph?
How could we hope to lead on the armies to fresh victories, if the soldiers were told that the Maid would no longer march with them?
Who would direct us with heavenly counsel, or with that marvellous clearness of vision which is given only to a few in this sinful world, and to those only whose hearts are consecrated by a great devotion, and a great love?
She could not mean that! She loved France with an overwhelming fervour.

She was devoted to the service of the King, in whom she had never been able or willing to see wrong.

She knew her power with the army; she loved the rough soldiers who followed her unshrinkingly in the teeth of the very fiercest perils, and who would answer to her least command, when they would obey none other general.
O no, she could not think of deserting France in this her hour of need! Much had been done; but much yet remained to do.

If she were to quit her post, there could be no telling what might not follow.
The English, cowed and bewildered now, might well pluck up heart of grace, and sweep back through the country once owning their sway, driving all foes before them as in the days of old.

The victories won in these last weeks might soon be swallowed up in fresh defeat and disaster.