about six hours after noon
I was of the same mind , and as the King was shortly to be looked for at St. Denis , we rode thither early next morning , with what speed we might . On our left , like a cloud , was the smoke of Paris , making me understand what a great city it was , much greater than Orleans . Before us , far away , were the tall towers of the chapel of St. Denis , to be our guide ! We heard , also , the noise of ordnance being fired , and therefore made the greater haste , and we so rode that , about six hours after noon , on the Eve of the Nativity of our Blessed Lady , we reached the gates of the town . Here we found great press of folk , men coming and going , some carrying the wounded , for there had been a skirmish that day , at one of the Paris gates , whence came the sound of cannon and culverins , and we had won little advantage . At the gates of St. Denis we asked where the quarters of the Scots men-at - arms might be , and were told in the chapel , whither we needed no guide . But , as we went up the street , we saw women leaning forth from the windows , laughing with the men-at-arms , and beckoning to them , and by the tavern doors many were sitting drinking , with girls beside them , and others were playing dice , and many an oath we heard , and foul words , as is customary in a camp .