A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Ernecourt, Barbara of
ERNECOURT, BARBARA OF,
Better known as the Lady of St. Balmont, a second Joan of Arc, was born in 1609, at the castle of Newville, between Bar and Verdun. From the earliest childhood she trained herself to the use of arms, and in all knightly accomplishments. She married, when quite young, the Lord of Balmont, who met and fell in love with her while hunting, and whom she frequently accompanied in the chase. During the "thirty years' war" in Germany, she always took command of her husband's castle, while he accompanied the Duke of Lothrengein to the field. This brave woman repulsed the enemy frequently, and on several occasions made sorties, and succeeded in capturing both men and baggage. When peace was restored, she laid aside the sword and took up the pen, which she wielded with equal skill. Her first work, "Les Jumeaux Martyrs," was published in 1651; several other works, of considerable merit, appeared afterwards. The death of her husband, to whom she was tenderly attached, made her resolve to retire from the world, and she entered a nunnery; but died before taking the veil, May 22nd., 1660, aged fifty-one.