re extraordinary story illustrative of superstitious
sentiments in France, viz. the world-wide one of Jeanne D'Arc
(sometimes called Johan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans), who fell a
victim to the credulity prevalent in that country and in England. The
small village of Domremi is a retired spot, where popular
superstitions have been almost religiously preserved. Fairies were
believed to frequent the neighbourhood of Domremi. Near to it stood a
large ancient beech-tree, known as the charmed tree of Bourlemont,
supposed to be a favourite haunt of elves. Beneath the spreading
boughs gushed a sparkling fountain, of which people drank to preserve
them from fevers. Witches went thither at night to dance with the
fairies. Young men and maidens also resorted to the spot, to dance
round the tree and fountain. Garlands were made there, and presented
as offerings to our lady of Domremi. The priests of the village said
mass once a year over the fountain, to strengthen its healing
qualities. Under a hazel-tree, not far from the charmed tree, grew
mandrakes, one of which never failed to add wealth and domestic
happiness to any person who possessed it.

In the village lived a labouring man, named Jacques D'Arc, who, with
his wife, the villagers looked upon with respect. They had several
children, boys and girls. The youngest daughter, named Jeanne, was
born in the year 1410. At childhood she assumed a reserved and pensive
disposition, and often sought solitude within the village church.
Having but a limited education, the superstitions of her time were
implicitly believed in by her. In addition to dancing round the
charmed tree and fountain with other young maidens, she often went
there alone. She grew up to be an attractive young woman, of peculiar
mind. Subject to fits or trances, she became prostrated by them; and
she had, according to her own account, converse with angels and the
spirits of dead saints.

At an early period of life Jeanne D'Arc received the impression that
providence intended her to achieve great feats in behalf of her
country. More than once she exclaimed, "Nobody but me can recover the
kingdom of France!" At this time, it should be observed, France
groaned under the tyranny of contending factions; and so low had the
Dauphin sunk, that not a single place remained in his power except
Orleans; and even it the English closely besieged. After various
unsuccessful attempts, the Maid obtained permission to communicate he