The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1874-07-18
Ghe gla1Iy Ar9ns.
The MAID of Orleans.

Enthusiastic Frenchmen love to relate
how the humble peasant girl commenced
what she conceived to be her mission, by
suddenly appearing before the young
French king-half frightened out of his
senses BY the successes of the English -
in the great;hall at Chinon, where, sur
rounded by his steel-clad warriors his
features Illuminated by the lurid glare of
the blazing torches, he listened, with
mingled hope and distrust, to the startling
prediction of how his enemies should be
defeated, and he himself crowned by the
bands,of Joan in the cathedral of Rheims.
What strange and startling spectacle
was that of the warrior maid as, clad in
complete armor bareheaded, her bcauti-
ful hair falling in long curls about her
neck, aud mounted ON frey charger,
she made her appearance before the an
cient town OF Blois, where, raising with
one hand her banner of silk, and with the
other fourishing the glittering sword given
her by the French King, she so aroused
the courage of the soldiery that they
fought with the strength and determine
ton of conquerers, sweeping their dismayed
English adversaries before them like chaff
before the wind? But what need to relate
the worldtamous exploits of the Maid of
Orleans? Are we not as familiar with
them as with the story of iron-hearted
Richard or of the gentle Eleanor, who so
lovingly sucked the venom from her
kingly husbands wound? They form
some Of the most stirring, romantic, and
interesting episodes recorded in history.
The fate OF Joan was in harmony with
the grand and impressive drama Of her
life. Captured by the English forces at
Compiegne, now famous Tor its hunting
forests, some 10000 acres in extent, she
was reentessly hurried to the castle OF
Beaulieu, then to that of Beaureyior,
thence to Arras thence to the castle of
Crotoy, whence, after six long weary
months OF imprisonment, she was convey.
ed to Rouen, where she was confined, say
some, in the great tower OF the castle, the
only portion OF the editice yet remaining.
II is known us the Tour du Donion, and is
situated in the convent Of the Crsulines' S
in the Rue Morand, within three minutes
walk of the Victoria Hotel, near the rail
way station Here she was treated with
great cruelty. Heavily ironed fastened at
night by heavy chains to her bed, and
with three English guards constantly sta
toned in her cell, it is no wonder
that she nearly yielded to despair
The farce Of trial took place in the Castle
Chapel, now demolished, and the equally
senseless ceremony OF recantation in the
cemetery of St. Ouen, near the famous
church of that name. The browning act
which enshrined her name with the halo
OF martyrdom was perpretrated in the
ancient market square. Guarded by a
body of 500 strongly armed English sol
dicrs, she was conducted from the castle
tower, through some of the most pictures
que streets Of the ancient city, which were
crowded with people eager to take part
ing gaze of the pale featured but firm
hearted maiden, as she herocally proceed
ed to the place of death. AS she neared
the fatal pile, her torttude nearly for
sock her 20, Rouen, Rouenl' she pit
eously cried, it is here, indeed, that
| must die At that time the market
square was nearly double its present size
Here she was fastened to the stake, and
as the deyouring flames leaped mercilessly
about her, she raised her fearful eyes to
heaven, and, with the name of her
Divine Redeemer ON her lips, expired,
victim to English superstition and re
venge. The King of England, writing to
his uncle, says she was executed ''on ac-
count Of tie great damage and inconvcn-
fences, the horrible murders and henious
cruelties, and other innumerable evils she
had committed against his sacred per
SON and loyal obedient subjects. -
CooAs S,ctt-erland