The Lambertville press., 1860-05-30

the wearied soldiers were lying in
heavy slumbers around the campfres,
and their Pickering light, as it fell
upon the sleepers' faces, revealed the
many emotions which were agltating
them. Oft sweet visions Of home
would haunt their dreams and smiles
of Joy would rest upon their haggard
features, as in imagination they dwelt
again with the dear ones at home.
and oft they would oonvulsiVely grasp
their weapons as If their thoughts were
of the battle.
Suddenly the deep silence of the
night was broken by the shrill blast of
a bugle, which sounded from distant
part Of the encampment. In an in
slant every soldier was at his post, but
perceiving no sign of attack they sur
rounded the sentry, and eargerly
questioned him as to the cause of the
alarm. Amidst the confused din of
so many voices, his answer was lost,
but pointing to the tent of Charles, he
directed their attention to q female
figure mounted on a milk-white steed
and attended by four or five officers.
among whom was the Governor of
Pancoulour. A herald had been sent
in advance to acquaint the king that
persons of distinction desired an audi
ence; and when the party reached
the tent, his aid-de-camp, with respects
ful Difference, ushered them into the
council chamber of Charles.
Many were the surmises of the troops
as to the reason of her mysterious visit,
and while we leave them conjecturing,
let US view the scene within the camp.
The strange visitalt was seated in
the centre of the department, and be-
fore her, in an attitude of most pro-
found respect, stood the king, listen
ing as if spesR-bound, to her communi-
cation; the officers who formed her
escort, with folded arms were regard
ing her with astonishMent and awe.
She ceased speaking-the mighty iu-
fuence of her words convulsed the
frame of Charles and inspired him with
unwonted energy. He bade his page
summon the officers, and when they
were assembled, he led the maiden for
ward, and taking her hand, presented
her to them, exclaiming s.
Behold our deliverer, whom God
has destined to lead US on to victory
and expel from loved France the fierce
Invader"
The incredulous looks of the old
veterans aroused her, and with every
feature glowing with enthusiasm-the
throbbings and longings of her heroic
heart bursting forth in every gesture
and eyes dimmed with tears. she
knelt and prayed God to witness the
truth of her mission,
Then rising, she stood with graceful
dignity before the assembly, and with
sincerity which brought conviction,
spoke as follows:
Zone day while following my occu-
patton as shepherdess on the hills of
Brittany, and twining wreath with
which to crown the Madonna, soft,
sweet voice called me. Upon looking
up, | beheld an angel clothed in spot
less white-a crown of exceeding bril-
liancy encircled his brow, and in his
hand be held small scroll on which
was written in letters of gold, Let
hope be thy guide, for victory awaits
the just He bade me fear not, for
the Almighty had deputed him to re-
veal to me that was destined to per-
form the great mission of leading the
French army to battle, and after q
glorious victory, to proceed to Rheims
to assist at the coronation of the king,
Then bidding me seek Charles, and
not be daunted at any discourage
ments, the angel vanished. I am now
here in obedience to the decree OF
God-it remains only for you to con-
sent"
With one accord the generals knelt,
and unbuckling their swords, laid them
before her in token of their fealty, and
every heart bowed with homage be-
fore the chosen of the Most High.
Again the blood stained banner Of
war was unfurled. The warrior maid,
in her snow-white armor, and mounted
on milk-white steed, took her posi-
tion at the head of frances naughty
army, and while the battle ragged wild
est, she cheered her exhausted troops,
and her fearlessness carried terror into
the ranks Of the English, who, seeing
fate was against them, fed in dreadful
disorder but the gates of the city Of
Orleans closed upon them before the
pursuers could enter.
Then followed scene Of wild tu-
multi. The French, maddened at be-
ing baffled in their attempt to gain
the city, assembled beneath the walls,
conjecturing the best plan to ascend,
when the maiden ordered the scaling
ladders to be placed against the walls
/ l.