On Tuesday, the 14th of June, at the hour of vespers, the army took the field.[1245] [Footnote 1245: Perceval de Cagny, p.

152: "_Je veux demain, apres diner, aller voir ceux de Meung_." ["To-morrow after dinner I will go to the people of Meung."] The turn of expression which this chronicle attributes to Jeanne is really that of the clerk who wrote it.] They passed through La Sologne, and that same evening gained the Bridge of Meung, situated above the town and separated from its walls by a broad meadow.

Like most bridges, it was defended by a castlet at each end; and the English had provided it with an earthen outwork, as they had done for Les Tourelles at Orleans.[1246] They defended it badly, however, and the French King's men forced their way in before nightfall.

They left a garrison there, and went out to encamp in Beauce, almost under the walls.

The young Duke of Alencon lodged in a church with a few men-at-arms; and, as was his wont, did not keep watch.