But meantime, beware
of rashness; for victory shall not come to the city without the
Maid."
He gazed at her--we all gazed at her--in amaze, not knowing what
her words portended. But she gave no explanation. She only rose to
her feet and said:
"Then, gentlemen, since the attack is not to be yet--not till the
arrival of the relieving force, let me make the tour of the
battlements, and examine the defences of the city. I would that you
had faith to let me lead you forth today; but the time will come
when I shall not have to plead with you--you will follow gladly in
my wake. For the rest, it would perchance be a sorrow to my brave
men, who have marched so far with me, not to partake in the victory
which the Lord is about to send us; wherefore I will the more
readily consent to delay, though, let me tell you, you are in the
wrong to withstand the wishes of the Commander of the King's
armies, and the messenger of the King of Kings."
I verily believe that she shamed them by her gentle friendliness
more than she would have done by any outburst of wrath.
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