Part 433 (2/2)

[He approaches her.

Collect thyself, Johanna! innocence Hath a triumphant look, whose lightning flash Strikes slander to the earth! In n.o.ble wrath Arise! look up, and punish this base doubt, An insult to thy holy innocence.

[JOHANNA remains motionless; LA HIRE steps back; the excitement increases.

DUNOIS.

Why do the people fear, the princes tremble?

I'll stake my honor on her innocence!

Here on the ground I throw my knightly gage; Who now will venture to maintain her guilt?

[A loud clap of thunder; all are horror-struck.

THIBAUT.

Answer, by Him whose thunders roll above!

Give me the lie! Proclaim thine innocence; Say that the enemy hath not thy heart!

[Another clap of thunder, louder than the first; the people fly on all sides.

BURGUNDY.

G.o.d guard and save us! What appalling signs!

DUCHATEL (to the KING).

Come, come, my king! Forsake this fearful place!

ARCHBISHOP (to JOHANNA).

I ask thee in G.o.d's name. Art thou thus silent From consciousness of innocence or guilt?

If in thy favor the dread thunder speaks, Touch with thy hand this cross, and give a sign!

[JOHANNA remains motionless. More violent peals of thunder.

The KING, AGNES SOREL, the ARCHBISHOP, BURGUNDY, LA HIRE, DUCHATEL retire.

SCENE XII.

DUNOIS, JOHANNA.

DUNOIS.

Thou art my wife; I have believed in thee From the first glance, and I am still unchanged.

In thee I have more faith than in these signs, Than in the thunder's voice, which speaks above.

In n.o.ble anger thou art silent thus; Enveloped in thy holy innocence, Thou scornest to refute so base a charge.

Still scorn it, maiden, but confide in me; I never doubted of thine innocence.

Speak not one word; only extend thy hand In pledge and token that thou wilt confide In my protection and thine own good cause.

[He extends his hand to her; she turns from him with a convulsive motion; he remains transfixed with horror.

SCENE XIII.

JOHANNA, DUCHATEL, DUNOIS, afterwards RAIMOND.

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