Читать книгу Joan of Arc: In her own words - Joan of Arc - Страница 8

February–March, 1429

HER WORDS TO HENRI LE ROYER

I DO NOT FEAR their soldiers; my way lies open. If there are soldiers on the road, I have my Lord with me, who will make a road for me to reach the Dauphin.

I was born for this.

I set out from Vaucouleurs in men’s clothing. I carried a sword that Robert de Baudricourt had given me, but no other arms. With me there were a knight, a squire, and four serving-men.

Robert de Baudricourt made those who went with me swear that they would guide me well and safely.

To me at parting he said: “Go, and, whatever may come of it, let it come!”

HER WORDS TO HER COMPANIONS

Fear not: what I do, I do by commandment. My brothers in Paradise tell me what I must do. It is four or five years since my brothers in Paradise and my Lord first told me that I must go to war to restore the Kingdom of France.

I met no hindrance on my journey to the King.

We reached Saint Urbain and spent the night in the abbey. We passed through Auxerre and heard mass in the great church. My voices were with me often.

When we came to Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois I sent a letter to my King to ask if I might enter the town where he was. It said that I had travelled a hundred and fifty leagues to come to him with help, and that I knew many things which would profit him. I heard three masses in one day there; then I went on to Chinon, where the King was.

I came to Chinon about noon and put up at an inn, and, after dinner, I went to the King in his castle. And when I entered the King’s chamber, I knew him among the rest, (or the voice counselled me and revealed it to me. And I told the King that I would go to make war on the English.

HER WORDS TO CHARLES

I bring you news from God, that our Lord will give you back your kingdom, bringing you to be crowned at Reims, and driving out your enemies. In this I am God’s messenger. Do you set me bravely to work, and I will raise the siege of Orléans.

TO D’ALENÇON

You are very welcome. The more there are gathered together of the blood of the King of France, the better it will be.