DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.70300#0241
JOAN D’ARC.
211
temerity, and sensible that the least reverse of fortune would
be sufficient to dispel all the mists of enthusiasm, and re-
store every thing to its former condition, checked her vehe-
mence, and proposed an attempt to expel the enemy from
their forts on the other side of the river, and open a commu-
nication with the country, before she attempted the more
dangerous enterprise. It was with some difficulty that Joan
could be persuaded to agree with this disposition ; and the
next day Sir William Gladdesdale, who commanded an im-
portant post of the besiegers, drew all his men into the
tower of St. Augustine, strengthened the garrison which
had been left in the tower of Tourelles, and the bulwark
erected at the head of the bridge. By these means the be-
sieged had a free communication with the river, and great
part of the garrison immediately passed over in boats to the
other side, in order to attack the bulwark erected upon the
Portereau.
Joan, who commanded the attack in person, advanced
with her consecrated standard before her at the head of her
men. But the English being supplied with fresh troops
from the next tower, made so brave a defence, that Joan
soon found herself abandoned by her soldiers, and almost
surrounded by the enemy. Brave as she was, she had no
other resource than that of a retreat; but it was only to re-
animate her troops, whom she instantly rallied, and led back
with so much fury to the assault, that the bulwark was car-
ried by storm, and all the English that defended it were put
to the sword. On this occasion Joan shewed at once her
prudence and her bravery. The place she had just taken
was filled with provisions, and the baggage of the English
officers. She was afraid lest her soldiers, by employing
themselves in securing the booty, should give the enemy an
opportunity of retaking the bulwark ; she therefore ordered
the whole to be set on fire, and commanded all her men to
take their several posts, as if she expected every moment to
be attacked by the English. She had herself been wounded
P 2
211
temerity, and sensible that the least reverse of fortune would
be sufficient to dispel all the mists of enthusiasm, and re-
store every thing to its former condition, checked her vehe-
mence, and proposed an attempt to expel the enemy from
their forts on the other side of the river, and open a commu-
nication with the country, before she attempted the more
dangerous enterprise. It was with some difficulty that Joan
could be persuaded to agree with this disposition ; and the
next day Sir William Gladdesdale, who commanded an im-
portant post of the besiegers, drew all his men into the
tower of St. Augustine, strengthened the garrison which
had been left in the tower of Tourelles, and the bulwark
erected at the head of the bridge. By these means the be-
sieged had a free communication with the river, and great
part of the garrison immediately passed over in boats to the
other side, in order to attack the bulwark erected upon the
Portereau.
Joan, who commanded the attack in person, advanced
with her consecrated standard before her at the head of her
men. But the English being supplied with fresh troops
from the next tower, made so brave a defence, that Joan
soon found herself abandoned by her soldiers, and almost
surrounded by the enemy. Brave as she was, she had no
other resource than that of a retreat; but it was only to re-
animate her troops, whom she instantly rallied, and led back
with so much fury to the assault, that the bulwark was car-
ried by storm, and all the English that defended it were put
to the sword. On this occasion Joan shewed at once her
prudence and her bravery. The place she had just taken
was filled with provisions, and the baggage of the English
officers. She was afraid lest her soldiers, by employing
themselves in securing the booty, should give the enemy an
opportunity of retaking the bulwark ; she therefore ordered
the whole to be set on fire, and commanded all her men to
take their several posts, as if she expected every moment to
be attacked by the English. She had herself been wounded
P 2