LEAGUER About all that befell in the besieged city of Compiegne, after that wicked day of destiny when the Maid was taken, I heard for long only from the Jacobin brothers, and from one Barthelemy Barrette.

He was a Picardy man, more loyal than most of his country, who had joined the Maid after the fray at Paris.

Now he commanded a hundred of her company, who did not scatter after she was taken, and he was the best friend I then had.
"The burgesses are no whit dismayed," said he, coming into my chamber after the day of the Ascension, which was the second after the capture of the Maid.

"They have sent a messenger to the King, and expect succour." "They sue for grace at a graceless face," said I, in the country proverb; for my heart was hot against King Charles.
"That is to be seen," said be.

"But assuredly the Duke of Burgundy is more keen about his own business." "How fare the Burgundians ?" I asked, "for, indeed, I have heard the guns speak since dawn, but none of the good fathers cares to go even on to the roof of the church tower and bring me tidings, for fear of a stray cannon- ball." "For holy men they are wondrous chary of their lives," said Barthelemy, laughing.