 In March 1408 Jean Petit presented a lengthy and well @-@ attended justification at the royal palace before a large courtly audience . Petit argued convincingly that in the King 's absence Orléans became a tyrant , practiced sorcery and necromancy , was driven by greed , and had planned to commit fratricide at the Bal des Ardents . John should be exonerated , Petit argued , because he had defended the King and monarchy by assassinating Orléans . Charles , " insane during the oration " , was convinced by Petit 's argument and pardoned John the Fearless , only to rescind the pardon in September . 
