She then sent for an altar and a priest, and bade him celebrate mass in front of both armies. When one mass was done, she bade him celebrate another, both of which she and the French and English soldiers heard with devotion.
“Now look,” she said, “and see if their faces are set toward us.”
“No,” was the answer. “They have turned their backs and are retreating toward Meung.”
“In God’s name, let them go,” she said. “Our Lord does not wish us to fight them to-day. You shall have them another time.”
La Hire with a hundred lances followed the English and found that the retreat was genuine. They had collected their prisoners and all the property they could carry, leaving their sick, their heavy guns and ammunition, huge shields and provisions behind them. Jeanne’s first herald, Guienne, was found bound to a stake preparatory to burning him. The English but waited for the decision of the University at Paris before the execution. Before it had time to arrive the siege was raised.
The army of the French returned to the city and gave thanks, and made a procession; for they were delivered of the ancient enemies of the realm.[11]
That which had been declared impossible was done. The siege of Orléans was raised. Jeanne D’Arc had shown her sign.