Had this idea of a holy militant mission, conceived by Jeanne through the intermediary of her Voices, come into her mind spontaneously without the intervention of any outside will, or had it been suggested to her by some one who was influencing her? It would be impossible to solve this problem were there not a slight indication to direct us. Jeanne at Domremy was acquainted with a prophecy foretelling that France would be ruined by a woman and saved by a maiden.[290] It made an extraordinary impression upon her; and later she came to speak in a manner which proved that she not only believed it, but was persuaded that she herself was the maiden designated by the prophecy.[291] Who taught her this? Some peasant? We have reason to believe that the peasants did not know it, and that it was current among ecclesiastics.[292] Besides, it is important to notice in this connection that Jeanne was acquainted with a particular form of this prophecy, obviously arranged for her benefit, since it specified that the Maiden Redemptress should come from the borders of Lorraine. This local addition is not the work of a cowherd; it suggests rather a mind apt to direct souls and to inspire deeds. It is no longer possible to doubt that the prophecy thus revised is the work of an ecclesiastic whose intentions may be easily divined. Henceforth one is conscious of an idea agitating and possessing the young seer of visions. [Footnote 290: _Trial_, vol. ii, p. 444.] [Footnote 291: "_Nonne alias dictum fuit quod Francia per mulierem desolaretur, et postea per Virginem restaurari debebat?_" Evidence given by Durand Lassois in _Trial_, vol. ii, p. 444.] [Footnote 292: _Trial_, vol. ii, p. 447. Nevertheless the woman Le Royer of Domremy remembered it and was astonished by it. _Et hunc ipsa testis haec audisse recordata est et stupefacta fuit._]