over the bright maidenhood of Rosalind and the melancholy wisdom of Jacques. We are not unmindful of that "woody theatre of stateliest view," in which the genius of Milton places the home of the first-born of Humanity. We bethink overselves of that "thickest wood" where Una laid her " dainty limbs" upon the grass,

"In secret shade, free from all view and sight;

of that mighty forest in Shelley's "Alastor," where
"The pyramids

Of the tall cedar, overarching, frame
Most solemn domes within;

of that region of exuberant "greenery" in Keats's "Endymion," where the shepherds and young damsels chant their hymns to Pan, "great son of Dyope," and Adonis lies asleep in his "myrtle-walled" bower, with Cupid watching silently beside him; and of "the wild woods of Broceliande," where Vivien beguiled his spell from "the great Enchanter of the time."

The influences of the forest moulded the mind and heart of Jeanne Darc, who grew up "a good girl, simple in her ways," always calm and industrious, a ministering angel to the poor and sick, and so touched by a deep feeling of devotion that the very sound of the church-bell filled her with intense rapture. She was still in her early youth when Domremy was brought within the circle of the terrible war that then ravaged France. On the wounded, weary, and homeless who passed through the village she waited with anxious vigilance; and as she listened to their tales a deep love of her bleeding country kindled within her. Her quick imagination, which the silence and solitude of the forest had prepared to be easily impressed, took fire; she had visions; she saw the great archangel, St. Michael, with his flaming sword, and heard him bid her go forth to the wars and restore her King to his throne. The visions multiplied; she remembered an old prophecy that a maid from Lorraine should save the land; and at length she came to understand that her mission was to deliver France from the English. Her father, when she told him of her object, declared that he would drown her rather than that she should go to the field with the men-at-arms. She appealed to the

HER MISSION OF deliverance.

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captain of Vaucouleurs, to the curé, for assistance, but was refused, for they thought none other than that she was mad. She protested that the work was not of her own choosing; that she would far rather sit and spin by her mother's side; "but I must go," she said, "and do it, for my Lord wills it.""And who," they asked, "who is your Lord?"-"God is my Lord." Her earnestness prevailed eventually over every obstacle; and the governor of Vaucouleurs undertook to conduct her to the King's presence. Assuming a suit of armour to protect her from insolence, she rode by his side to Chinon, and was admitted into the royal audience chamber. Charles stood in the midst of his courtiers and warriors, undistinguished by any emblem of sovereignty; but she singled him out at once, threw herself at his feet, and in simple accents declared that the Heavenly King had sent her to tell him that he should be crowned and anointed in the city of Rheims, as lieutenant of the Heavenly King who was the true King of France.

To the ordinary mind enthusiasm is as gall and wormwood, and the pretensions of the peasant maid of Domremy were keenly ridiculed by Charles's courtiers. She, however, persisted in her belief of "the voices" that had charged her with a mission of deliverance, and, after some hesitation, the King consented to avail himself of her services. At that time Orleans was besieged by a large army under the Earl of Salisbury; its capture seemed certain, and its capture would place the South of France at the mercy of the invaders. A relief force had been assembled at Blois under the celebrated Dunois, and it was resolved that Jeanne should take the command of it. Apart from the strange character of her enterprise, her appearance was admirably adapted to impress the rough soldiery of France. She was tall, beautifully proportioned, with a handsome and expressive countenance; and when mounted on her stately charger, and clothed in shining mail from head to foot, she seemed a thing wholly divine, whether to see or hear. A great silken banner, richly studded with silver fleurs-de-lys, waving before her, she marched towards Orleans, enforcing a strict discipline upon her followers, and night and morning offering her prayers before the altars of the Church. Though possessed with a profound enthusiasm, she was as cool and sagacious in all worldly matters as an experienced captain, and exhibited a remark

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RELIEF OF ORLEANS.

able natural talent for military movements. Her fame advanced before her, and the English army looked on in a stupor of astonishment while she rode into Orleans, "bringing it the best aid ever sent to any one, the aid of the King of heaven." The power and sway of her enthusiasm were at once acknowledged by the besieged, who gained a new courage from her presence and example, and poured out in their thousands to attack and repulse the English. Of all the forts with which Salisbury had girdled the city, one only remained uncaptured, the strongest; the French generals resolved to delay its assault; but the Maid placed herself at the head of her fighting men and led them forward. The English, though greatly reduced in numbers, fought with all their old obstinacy; and the Maid being wounded, Dunois lost heart and ordered a retreat. "Wait a while!" cried the Maid; "eat and drink! and so soon as my standard touches the wall you shall take the fort." The men, having rested and refreshed themselves, returned to the attack; the great banner of the fleurs-de-lys fluttered against the rampart, and victory crowned the French arms. Next day the English raised the siege and retired towards the north, while Jeanne repaired to the cathedral and offered up her passionate thanksgivings to the Lord.

The French generals, still spell-bound by the prestige of Crecy and Agincourt, would fain have been contented with the deliverance of Orleans, but the enthusiasm of the Maid was not to be denied, her faith in her "voices" was not to be disputed. She persuaded Charles to advance upon Rheims, where the kings of modern France had always been crowned; and his march proved a triumphal procession, Troyes and Chalons opening their gates at his approach, and Rheims welcoming him with rapturous exultation. He was crowned next day (July 17, 1427) with becoming splendour; the Maid, attired in white armour, and wearing her miraculous sword of Fierbois, standing by his side. She felt then that her work was done, and earnestly besought Charles to allow her to go home. But the King and his ministers thought that further profit might be derived from her enthusiasm ; and when she passionately exclaimed, "Would it were God's good 'Humbling man's proper excellence, Jean d'Arc led war's obstreperous van.' -Coventry Patmore.

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