Joan of Arc, and the Times of Charles the Seventh

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII. The ancient Castle of Nantes--Remarkable Trial in the Great Hall there, 1440--the Duke of Brittany--the Grand Inquisitor--the Ceremony--De Retz accused of Sorcery--Circumstances of the Crime--his Sentence and Execution--Dissensions between Beaufort and Gloucester--Duchess of the latter accused of Sorcery--her Penance--Marriage of Henry vi.--Truce between England and France--Joy of the People--Death of the Wife of Louis--Richmond--Dunois--Alencon--their Conquests in Normandy--Rouen holds out--at last surrenders--Talbot and others Prisoners--Terms between the English and the victorious French. jN the ancient city of Nantes in Brittany, stood what, at the time of which we write, might almost have been called a modern structure, and what in our days may yet be viewed in its strong and venerable remains--the Castle of Nantes. It was built in the fourteenth century: a noble pile, defended by round and massive towers. Its arched gateway showed the teeth of its portcullis, ready to fall on whomsoever might dare to pass beneath for a hostile purpose; nor was it wanting in those dungeons and stone cells, the usual accompaniments of feudal power. It was in the year 1440 that a scene too remarkable ever to be forgotten--and especially recorded by Monstrelet--passed within the walls of that stupendous fortress, to which we now propose to conduct the reader. A lofty and vaulted hall, dim from its extent, and imperfectly lighted by narrow pointed windows placed high overhead, had an appearance of more than usual gloom. At the end stood a richly carved chair cushioned with velvet, and overhung by a canopy. The seats to the right and left were partially filled by the chief nobles of Brittany in their robes of State. In the centre was a table covered with bla...