Anna Dickinson. Consider, the time in which she lived: the needs of her day; the work she wrought; the life she live; the death she died. Her uncle, who should have been her actual, as he was her legal protector, had her thrust to one side; had himself crowned by the power of the sword. The people, believing in that day, — as in many a day since — that right is made by might, accepted this verdict.
A law, of which Germany was the birthplace, and heathenism, the date, was summoned to the support of this robbery. But, mark you, legitimacy sacrificed in the person of a young girl, left the door wide, for manly usurpations, and illegitimate claims.
Edward the 3rd of England was quick to see his opportunity, — thrust his hand through this loop-hole, to grasp at the French Crown. From this ensued a war of years. A war, extending through the reigns of five English and five French kings, during which, the great realm of France was twice lost, and twice re-won, by Frenchmen.
A war, the outset of which was the sacrifice of legitimacy in the person of a young girl, was closed, victory gained, peace established by another young girl. What was this scheme? England was master of the entire of the Northern Province of France — with the exception of a few insignificant fortresses.
Charles still held the centre, with a portion of the Southern Province of his own domain. Orleans was his last stronghold, and was in such position, that, whoso held it, had an open door, through which he could pass to the possessions of England — those in the North, or, to the possessions of France — those in the Centre and South.
