Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/76

62 the death of Henry V. king of England, who, for some time reigned absolute in France, though without the title of king, (which, however, was assured to him and his descendants after the death of Charles VI. who survived him but two months) the regency of that kingdom was left to his brother, the duke of Bedford, one of the most accomplished princes of the age, whose experience, prudence, valour, and generosity, enabled him to maintain union among his friends, and to gain the confidence of his enemies. Charles VII. though inferior in power, was possessed of many great advantages in the affections of all Frenchmen, who desired the independence of their country. The city of Orleans, the most important place in the kingdom, was besieged by Bedford, as a step which would prepare the way for the conquest of all France. The French king used every expedient to supply the city with a garrison and provisions; and the English left no method unemployed for reducing it. The eyes of all Europe were turned towards this scene of action, where it was reasonably supposed the French were to make their last stand for maintaining the independence of their monarchy, and the rights of their sovereign. After numberless feats of valour on both sides, the attack was so vigorously pushed by the English, that Charles gave up the city as lost, when relief was brought from a very unexpected quarter.

In the village of Domremi, near Vaucouleurs, on the borders of Lorrain, lived a country girl, whose name was Joan d'Arc; and who, in the humble station of servant at an inn, had been accustomed to tend the horses of the guests,