IN the year one thousand four hundred and twenty nine, a young girl named Jane Taré, of the dutchy of Lorrain, declared she had frequent revelations from heaven: she was the daughter of a common labourer, and her whole life had been employed in tending cattle. God commanded her, she said, to go to Charles the seventh, king of France, in order to advise and assist him in the recovery of his dominions, then possessed by the English.
She was brought before the governor of Vaucouleurs, who looked upon her as disordered in her mind, and dismissed her. She insisted however so strongly, and persevered so much in her resolutions to go and offer her services to Charles, that the governor at last contented to have her conducted to Chinon where the king resided.
Her behaviour there did not shew the embarrassment of a country girl, but the unaffected politeness and ceremony of a courtier. She immediately distinguished her royal master from among the crowd of his attendants, and said to him that she came in compliance to the almighty’s orders to raise the siege of Orleans, and to recover the kingdom from English usurpation, desired him not to be apprehensive of his enemies: that she would attack them wherever she met them: that she made no doubt of succeeding in her attempts: and that his majesty should be soon peaceably established upon the throne of his ancestors.
Charles ordered this extraordinary young woman to be examined in matters of religion; and asked her several questions relative to the art of war, and other curious subjects.
Her answers were so pertinent and so just, that the king, the prelates, and the other clergy who were present, were very much amazed. It was revealed to her, she said, that in a neighbouring church was hid a sword on which five Flower-deluces, the arms of France, were engraved.
The sword was searched for, and found among some old iron in the church she had mentioned. The king presented it to her, and she was soon accoutred in warlike dress. Every thing seemed familiar to her mind; her activity and address were equal to those of the most accomplished warriors.
When she was admitted to his majesty’s council to advise on the exigency of affairs, she spoke with so much knowledge, with so much prudence and wisdom, that her opinion was often followed, and that of the most experienced generals laid aside.
But what was more astonishing, when a council was held in her absence, she knew every thing that was proposed and concluded there. However, his majesty thought proper to desire the maid to give him some unquestionable proofs of her being the messenger of God, as he might then entirely confide in her advice, and follow her instructions.
To which Jane answered, ‘Sire, if I can discover to you your thoughts, which you confided to God alone, will you firmly believe that I am his messenger?’
Charles said he would; on which she asked him if he remembered that some months before, in the chapel of his castle of Loches, he privately and alone humbly begged three things from heaven?
The king remembred very well his having made requests to God, which he had not since revealed even to his confessor; and said that he would no longer doubt of Jane’s divine legation, if she could tell him what these entreaties were?
Your first suit was then, continued Jane, that if you were not the true heir to the crown of France, God would please to deprive you of the courage and desire of continuing a war, in order to possess it, which had already caused so much bloodshed and misery throughout the kingdom. Your second prayer was, that if the great troubles and misfortunes which the poor inhabitants of France have lately underwent, were the punishment of any sins by you committed, that he would please to relieve the people of France, that you alone might be punished, and make expiation, either by death or any torment he would please to inflict. Your third desire was, that if the sins of the people were the cause of their sufferings, he would be pleased in his divine mercy to grant them pardon, and deliver them from the pains and miseries which they have been labouring under already above twelve years.
Charles knowing the truth of all she said, was now firmly persuaded that she was a divine messenger, and placed much hopes in her assistance towards the recovery of his kingdom: soon after, assisted by Jane, he raised the siege of Orleans, and re-took possession of Gien, Gergueau, Meun, Baugenci, and many other places; and afterwards, by her persuasion, he ventured through the country of Champaign, though in the hands of the English, and went to Rheims, where he was anointed and crowned.
Jane carried the royal standard at this ceremony, and, in a little time, contributed very much to the recovery of several towns and castles. Her reputation was at a great height; Charles always succeeded in every thing which she proposed and undertook; and in gratitude Jane had the credit of every thing that did succeed.
This brought upon her the hatred and envy of several of the commanders and chieftains of the French army, and at last proved fatal to her: for, in the year one thousand four hundred and thirty one, the maid of Orleans being informed that the duke of Burgundy, with some English, had laid siege to the town of Compiegn, immediately departed at the head of a few troops, to strengthen and support the feeble garrison that defended it.
A day or two after her arrival, some of the French lords proposed to sally out against the enemy; and though Jane did not think it adviseable, yet, lest she should be suspected of cowardice or backwardness, she consented, unfortunately for her, to be one of the number.
As she was supporting her country’s cause with valour and intrepidity, some Frenchmen gave the signal for retreat, on which every body hastened to get back to the gates, where there was so great a throng, that before she could enter she was taken by some of the troops of John of Luxemburgh, who was at the siege with the duke of Burgundy.
Luxemburgh ordered her to be conducted to the castle of Beaurevoir, where she was strictly guarded, as he was apprehensive she would endeavour to escape by magic art, or some other subtle means. The king of England, fearing that Luxemburgh would give her back to the French for a considerable ransom, was very anxious to have her in his own custody: but Luxemburgh absolutely refused to deliver his prisoner; so that Henry was obliged to have recourse to the bishop of Beauvais, in whose diocess she had been taken, entreating him to demand her as a person strongly suspected of heresy and witchcraft, and therefore liable to be examined and tried by him, according to the laws of proceeding against heretics.
The bishop, after much deliberation, consented to demand the suspected Jane from Luxemburgh, on paying him a reasonable ransom, if the assembly of divines of the university of Paris would advise him so to do.
The assembly not only was of opinion that he could and ought to do it, but also in complaisance, to the king of England, wrote to John of Luxemburgh, in the name of the university, praying him to send his prisoner to the bishop of Beauvais, in whose diocese she was still in custody, and who alone had the right of trying her for the crimes of which she stood accused.
This letter had the desired effect, and Jane was given up to the bishop, who immediately put her into the hands of the English, by whom she was carried to Rouen, and there kept in strong and close confinement. Soon after, the king of England sent the following order to the magistrates of Rouen, to deliver Jane to be examined and tried by the bishop of Beauvais.
“Henry, by the grace of God, king of France and England, to our magistrates of Rouen greeting. It is publicly known, that for some time past a woman who calls herself Jane the Maiden, laying aside the dress and habit of her sex, which is against the law of God, and prohibited as an abominable practice by every law, and taking the dress and manner of man, has been guilty of many cruel homicides; and, in order to abuse the weak minds of the people, has made them understand that she was a messenger from God, and was privy to his divine secrets, and has entertained several other opinions contrary to our catholic faith, and scandalous and dangerous to our mother church. That while she was in hostile act against us and our people, she was taken before the walls of Compiegne by some of our loyal subjects, and brought prisoner to our town of Rouen. And whereas she has been strongly and universally suspected of superstition, false doctrine, and other crimes against our holy church, we have been earnestly sollicited by the reverend father in God and faithful counsellor the bishop of Beauvais, right ecclesiastical judge of the said Jane, as taken in his diocess, and also entreated by our dearest and most beloved daughter the university of Paris, to give up and deliver our said prisoner to be examined and tried by the said bishop, for the crimes of which she stands suspected and accused; and to proceed against her according to the ordinances and dispositions of the divine and canon laws, in that case made and provided. And as we are willing, in reverence and honour to God, the defence and dignity of our holy church and catholic faith, devoutly to obey, as a true and humble son of the holy church, the desires and demands of our daughter the university of Paris, we order and desire by these presents, our officers and magistrates of Rouen, to deliver up and bring before the reverend father in God the bishop of Beauvais, the said Jane Taré, to be tried and proceeded against according to God, to reason, and to the divine and holy canons. Given at Rouen this third day of January, year of grace one thousand four hundred and thirty one, and of our reign the third.”
The Bishop, impowered by this warrant, and having communicated the accusation to the inquisitor general of the faith, he assembled in the royal chapel of the castle of Rouen, Giles Abbot of Fescamp, John Beaupere, John de Chatisson, James le Tissier, Nicholas Midy, Guerard Fueillet, William Hecton, Thomas de Courselles, and Richard Proty, to assist him at the tryal of the said Jane.
John Estivet, named proctor for this tryal by the bishop, moved his lordship that the prisoner should be brought into court and examined according to law, which was granted; and the prisoner having desired leave to hear mass, his lordship said that he had taken advice on that head from several persons of learning and wisdom, whose opinion it was, that, considering the great crimes of which she stood suspected, and having infamously put on men’s apparel, her request ought not to be granted; and that therefore he overruled it.
His lordship then acquainted Jane, that she being taken prisoner in his diocese, and being publickly accused of several crimes which were against the faith, not only in France but in every other kingdom, she was delivered up to him to be tried in matters of faith. After which the proctor moved that the prisoner should be sworn to answer the truth to all such questions as he should ask her; which was agreed to by the bishop and his assistants.
His lordship then addressing himself to Jane, in a mild and charitable manner, begged she would make true and faithful answers to every particular, as well to shorten the trial as for the discharge of her own conscience, without any mental reservation or evasion whatsoever.
To which Jane answered, ‘I do not know what questions you intend to ask me; perhaps you may ask some that I will not chuse to answer.’
The bishop said she must answer every question relative to the catholic faith, and every thing else she knew.
Jane replied, that she was willing to communicate to the court every circumstance she knew about her birth, her parentage, and her arrival in France, as also every thing she did since; but as to the revelations which she had from God, that she never told them but to Charles, whom she called her king; and that she would never disclose them to any other, though her silence should cost her her head.
She added, that she was ordered from heaven to keep these revelations secret; but that in eight days she would be able to determine whether she could declare the purport of them.
The bishop then exhorted her to tell truth in matters of faith; Jane then kneeling, placed both her hands on the mass-book, and swore that she would declare the truth in every thing relative to her faith; but would not disclose what God had revealed to her, to any person whatsoever.
The same day the court asked her several questions relative to her parents, the place of her birth, and her age.
On her next appearance in court she complained that irons had been put on her legs: on which the bishop reminded her that she often attempted to escape from prison; so that the jailor was obliged to keep her in irons and close confinement.
Jane owned that some time before she did strive to get away, as it was natural and lawful for every prisoner to do; and added, that even if she had made her escape, she could, not be accused of a breach of promise therein, as she had made none to any body.
Upon this answer the bishop immediately ordered John Ris, John Bernet, and William Talbot, in whose hands she was then entrusted, to watch her narrowly; and not allow any body to speak to her, without a special order signed by him.
She was then asked, if she had ever learned any art or trade?
She answered, that her mother had taught her to sew; and she added, that she did not believe there was a woman in the city of Rouen who could teach her any thing. She said that she had left her parent’s house partly through fear of the duke of Burgundy’s army; that she went to Neufchattel with a woman named La Rouse, where she remained a fortnight; that she was there in quality of maid-servant, and did not go to the fields to take care of sheep or other cattle during that time.
Being asked if she confessed every year?
She answered, she did, to her parish priest, except when he happened to be busy, and then she confessed to another priest with his leave; that she had confessed two or three times to a mendicant friar; and that she received the body of our Saviour every year at Easter.
Being asked whether she received the body of our Saviour at other festivals besides Easter?
She made no answer; but said, that from the age of thirteen she heard the voice of our saviour, which directed her how to behave; that the first time she heard the voice she was in very great fear; that she heard it about mid-day, in summer time, in her father’s garden, it being that day a fast; that the voice seemed to come from the right, where the neighbouring church was situated; that she perceived a certain brightness which accompanied the voice; that when she had heard it the third time, she knew it to be a heavenly voice; that it has taken care of her since that time.
Being asked what information she received from the voice, for the safety of her soul?
She answered, that it shewed how to conduct herself in life; that it recommended to her to frequent church and other devout exercises; afterwards it told her it was necessary she should go to France, which it repeated twice or thrice a week till she departed: it desired her to make haste, and go away unknown to her parents; that she was to raise the siege of Orleans; that she should go to Robert de Baudricourt, who would give her guides to conduct her; that she then said to the voice, that she was but a poor country girl, and entirely ignorant of the art of war; that she went soon after to her uncle’s house, where she staid a week; that her uncle carried her to Robert de Baudricourt; that the voice had taught her to distinguish this gentleman, though she had never seen him before; that he twice refused to grant her desire; but at last he was prevailed on to have her conducted to France; that she then assumed man’s apparel, and wore a sword which Robert de Baudricourt gave her a little before she departed; that she was accompanied by a knight and four other men; that she often heard the voice on her road to France.
Being asked, who advised her to put on man’s apparel?
She answered, that the voice instructed her so to do; and that she accused no other person of it: that on her departure from Robert de Baudricourt, he said to her, ‘You may depart, let what will happen.’ She also added that it was absolutely necessary she should change her dress. Some time after she said that she was sure the duke of Orleans was much beloved by God; that there was not a man in France, except the king, of whom she had so many revelations as of the duke of Orleans.
Being asked, what letters she sent to the English, and what was the purport of them?
She answered, that she addressed some letters to the English who were before Orleans, desiring them to part from thence; and that they would absolutely be obliged to raise the siege: that she has been told that some words had been altered in her letters, where she desired the French territories should be given up to Charles, the lawful king. In the place of which have been inserted, as she was informed, that they should be given up to Jane the Maiden: that she did not call herself a warrior in these letters, as it was said, had been since added to them.
She then related, that she arrived without any difficulty at Chinon, where the king resided; that she arrived about noon, lodged at an inn, and after dinner waited on his majesty, whom she immediately distinguished from his attendants, by the instructions of the voice; that she told him she was resolved to go fight against the English. Being asked whether, when the voice pointed out the king to her, there was any shining light over the king? she would make no answer.
Being asked, whether she saw any angel over the king’s head?
She made no answer; but said, that before his majesty employed her, she had many fine visions and revelations.
Being asked what revelations?
She answered, ‘I will not tell you as yet; but you may go to the king and he will inform you.’ She added, that the voice told her that soon after her arrival his majesty would accept the offer of her services; that those of her own party were confident the voice came from God; that they saw and heard the voice; that she knew it very well; that the king and several of his council had heard and seen the voice coming towards her; and among the rest Charles duke of Bourbon; that the only thing she ever asked of the voice was, the salvation of her soul; that it desired her to stay at St. Dennis in France, where she would have remained, but that the lords would not let her, as she was wounded; and that otherwise she would not have left it; that she had been wounded in the trenches of Paris, and cured in five days; that she commanded at a considerable attack near Paris.
Being asked, if it was a holiday when that skirmish happened?
She answered she believed it was.
Being asked, if it was proper to make an assault on a festival?
She made no answer.
The court adjourned to consider matters, and being met again, the bishop of Beauvais exhorted and desired the prisoner to swear absolutely, and without reserve to tell the truth of every thing the court would ask her.
On which she desired his lordship’s leave to speak, and it being granted, said, ‘It is possible you may ask me questions which I certainly will not answer, especially relative to revelations; perhaps you would insist on my informing you of what I already swore I would not mention; that would be perjury, and you ought not to desire me to perjure myself. Take care, my lord bishop, what you are about; you pretend you have jurisdiction over me; you will have a great deal to answer for if you do not prove an upright judge to me.’ She added, that she thought it enough to have swore twice.
Being asked a second time, if she would not swear simply and absolutely?
She answered, that they might do without it, as she had already swore twice; that all the clergy of Rouen should not oblige her to tell every thing; that she could not tell all in eight days; that she would communicate every circumstance of her arrival in France, but not every thing else.
Being desired a third time to swear without reserve, and informed that her refusal would render her suspected to the court, she made the same answer as before, and added, that she was come from God; that she had nothing to do in that court, and desired they might send her back to God, whose messenger she was.
Being again exhorted and advised to swear as before required, under pain of being found guilty of the crimes of which she was accused,
She answered, “I have swore enough, proceed.”
Being once more fully and strongly admonished to tell the whole truth relative to her case, letting her know the danger she put herself in by a refusal, she said she was ready to tell every thing concerning her case, but not every thing she knew; and then she swore.
Being asked by John Beaupere, when before had she eat or drank?
She answered, that afternoon.
Being then asked, when had she heard the voice?
She answered, “Yesterday and to-day.”
Being asked what she was doing the day before when she heard the voice?
She answered, that she was asleep, and that it awaked her.
Being asked, whether it yet remained in her chamber?
She answered, not that she knew.
Being asked, if she thanked the voice, and whether she went on her knees?
She answered, that she thanked it as she sat up in her bed; her hands joined, and begged it might direct her what she had to do; and that the voice desired her, to answer stoutly
Being asked what the voice said to her when she was awake?
She answered, that it desired her to ask advice from our Saviour.
The prisoner then said again to the bishop, ‘You say you are my judge; take great care of what you do, for I certainly am come from God, and you put yourself in great danger.’
Being asked if the voice had ever varied in its instructions or commands?
She answered, that she never found it so.
Being asked if it was an angel directly from God without the intervention of any saint?
She answered, ‘It comes from God, I will not tell you all I know on that subject; I am more uneasy, lest I should say any thing at which it might be displeased, than I am about answering you; and therefore relative to this question, I desire delay.’
Being asked whether she thought that God would be offended at truth’s being told?
She answered, she thought he would not; but that what the voice revealed to her, she was to tell Charles the Seventh, king of France, and not to the bishop of Beauvais. She then added, that the night before the voice said several things to her for the service of his majesty, which she wished he was informed of.
Upon which the court desired to know whether she could not prevail on the voice to go deliver a message from her to Charles with these tidings?
She answered, she did not know whether it would obey her, unless such was the desire of God, and that our Saviour consented to it; and if it was the will of God, he might very well reveal it himself to the king.
After many interrogatories, and the examination of several witnesses, she was condemned to be burned, and consumed as a heretic; and was accordingly brought to the old market-place of Rouen, and there, after a long exhortation, the sentence pronounced against her was put in execution; which was a great loss to the king of France, who was then unable to assist her: but when he recovered Rouen, he caused her trial to be brought before the judges, who declared her innocent of the crimes for which she so unjustly suffered.