Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/79

Rh into execution. But, as things had now taken a turn, and it was extremely the interest of the king of France to maintain the belief of something extraordinary and divine in these events, he resolved to comply with her exhortations, and avail himself of the present consternation of the English. He accordingly set out for Rheims at the head of twelve thousand men, and scarcely perceived as he passed along, that he was marching through an enemy's country. Every place opened its gates to him: Rheims sent him its keys, and the ceremony of his inauguration was performed with the holy oil, which a pigeon is said to have brought from heaven to Clovis, on the first establishment of the French monarchy.

As a mark of his gratitude, Charles had a medal struck in her honour. On one side was her portrait, on the other a hand holding a sword with these words, Consilio confirmata Dei. "Sustained by the assistance of God." The king also ennobled all her family, as well in the male as in the female line; the former became extinct in 1760. In 1614, the latter, at the request of the procurator-general, were deprived of their privilege of ennobling their children, independent of their husband. The town of Domrerai, also, where she was born, was exempted from all taxes, aids, and subsidies for ever.

The Maid of Orleans, as she is called, declared, after this coronation, that her mission was now accomplished; and expressed her inclination to retire to the occupations and course of life which became her sex. But Dunois, sensible of the great advantages which might still be reaped from her presence in the army, exhorted her to persevere, till the final expulsion of the English. In pursuance of this advice, she threw herself into the town of Compiegne, at that time besieged by the duke of ,