As is his way,
the dauphin hesitates
like a man who dips his toe,
many times testing the water,
before immersing himself in a bath.
Charles asks that I clear
a path for him to Reims.
Too many cities are loyal
to the English between
here and the city of coronation.
The dauphin will grant me money,
supplies, and additional men,
but I must reclaim his towns.
The triumph at Orléans alone
does not assure him
that he should be crowned.
I am eager to obey
and would enter battle
tomorrow,
but what I need
cannot be provided quickly.
Charles appoints
his cousin the Duke of Alençon
to lead his forces
instead of me.
If I am not to serve
at the army’s helm,
at least it is the duke,
my dear friend,
who steers.