Part 431 (1/2)

THIBAUT.

Surprise her, hurl her down From her vain happiness, and forcibly Restore her to the G.o.d whom she denies.

RAIMOND.

Oh, do not work the ruin of your child!

THIBAUT.

If her soul lives, her mortal part may die.

[JOHANNA rushes out of the church, without her banner.

The people press around her, wors.h.i.+p her, and kiss her garments. She is detained in the background by the crowd.

She comes! 'tis she! She rushes from the church.

Her troubled conscience drives her from the fane!

'Tis visibly the judgment of her G.o.d!

RAIMOND.

Farewell! Require not my attendance further!

Hopeful I came, and sorrowful depart.

Your daughter once again I have beheld, And feel again that she is lost to me!

[He goes out. THIBAUT retires on the opposite side.

SCENE IX.

JOHANNA, People. Afterwards her Sisters.

JOHANNA (she has freed herself from the crowd and comes forward).

Remain I cannot--spirits chase me forth!

The organ's pealing tones like thunder sound, The dome's arched roof threatens to overwhelm me!

I must escape and seek heaven's wide expanse!

I left my banner in the sanctuary, Never, oh, never, will I touch it more!

It seemed to me as if I had beheld My sisters pa.s.s before me like a dream.

'Twas only a delusion!--they, alas!

Are far, far distant--inaccessible-- E'en as my childhood, as mine innocence!

MARGOT (stepping forward).

'Tis she! It is Johanna!

LOUISON (hastening toward her).

Oh, my sister!

JOHANNA.

Then it was no delusion--you are here-- Thee I embrace, Louison! Thee, my Margot?

Here in this strange and crowded solitude, I clasp once more my sisters' faithful b.r.e.a.s.t.s!

MARGOT.

She knows us still, she is our own kind sister.

JOHANNA.