I know not what the
power is; but at Rouvray it was shown forth again. A small force of
soldiers--but a convoy with provisions for the English lines--overcame
and chased to destruction a French army ten times its own strength.
It is as though the English had woven some spell about us. We cannot
face them--to our shame be it spoken! The glorious days of old are
past. If Heaven come not to our aid, the cause of France is lost!"
"Heaven has come to the aid of France," spoke the Maid, with that
calm certainty which never deserted her; "have no fear, gentle
knight. Let the Dauphin but send me to Orleans, and the English
will speedily be chased away."
"It will need a great army to achieve that, fair Maid," spoke Sir
Guy; "and alas, the King has but a small force at his disposal, and
the men are faint hearted and fearful."
"It is no matter," answered the Maid, with shining eyes; "is it
anything to my Lord whether He overcomes by many or by few? Is His
arm shortened at all, that He should not fulfil that which He has
promised? France shall see ere long that the Lord of Hosts fights
for her.
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