1256: Gruel, _Chronique de Richemont_, p. 71. Cf. E.
Cosneau, _Le connetable de Richemont_, pp. 169, 583. See a drawing in
the Gaignieres collection reproduced by J. Lair, _Essai sur la
bataille de Formigny_, 1903, 8vo.]

[Footnote 1257: _Lors le saluerent et le vinrent accoller par les
jambes._ (Then they saluted him and embraced his knees.) J. de Bueil,
_Le Jouvencel_, vol. i, p. 191.]

The Constable spoke to her as a good Catholic, a devout servant of God
and the Church, saying: "Jeanne, I have heard that you wanted to fight
against me. Whether you are sent by God I know not. If you are I do
not fear you. For God knows that my heart is right. If you are sent by
the devil I fear you still less."[1258]

[Footnote 1258: Gruel, _Chronique de Richemont_, pp. 71-72. I have
here followed Gruel, who is not generally very trustworthy, but whose
account in this particular seems probable, at least he is no mere
hagiographer.]

He was entitled to speak thus, for he made a point of never
acknowledging the devil's power over him. His love of God he showed by
seeking out wizards and witches with a greater zeal than was displayed
by bishops and inquisitors. In France, in Poitou, and in Brittany he
had sent more to the stake than any other man living.[1259]

[Footnote 1259: _Ibid._, p. 228.]

The Duke of Alencon dared not either dismiss him or grant him a
lodging for the night. It was the custom for new comers to keep the
watch. The Constable with his company kept watch that night in front
of the castle.[1260]

[Footnote 1260: _Ibid._, p. 72. E. Cosneau, _Le connetable de
Richemont_, p. 170.]

Without more ado the young Duke of Alencon proceeded to the attack.
Here, again, those who bore the brunt of the attack and provided for
the siege were the citizens of Orleans. The magistrates of the town
had sent by water from Meung to Beaugency the necessary siege train,
ladders, pickaxes, mattocks, and those great pent-houses beneath which
the besiegers protected themselves like tortoises under their shells.
They had sent also cannons and mortars. The gay gunner, Master Jean de
Montesclere, was there.[1261] All these supplies were addressed to the
Maid. The magistrate, Jean Boilleve, brought bread and wine in a
barge.[1262] Throughout Friday, the 7th, mortars and cannon hurled
stones on the besieged. At the same time from the valley and from the
river the attack was being made from barges. On the 17th of June, at
midnight, Sir Ri