In presence of the above, We caused to be read certain Articles comprising that one which the Promoter intendeth to produce against Jeanne.
After the reading of these Articles, it was decided that, following the preliminary trial until now conducted from our Office, as We, the Bishop, and subsequently We, the Deputy, have decreed and concluded, it will be expedient to proceed henceforward by an action in Ordinary.
It was also decided that the Articles just read have been well put together; that Jeanne should be questioned and heard upon each of them; that these Articles shall be proposed, in the name of the Promoter, by some grave advocate, or by the Promoter himself; that if Jeanne should refuse to answer after a Canonical monition shall have been addressed to her, as a preliminary, the said Articles shall be held as acknowledged.
Following on this decision, We, the Judges, gave order that the Articles of which we treat shall, from to-morrow be proposed by our Promoter; and that Jeanne should be, in like manner, interrogated upon each of them and heard in answer.
The Promoter presents his petition.
The next day, Tuesday after Palm Sunday, 27th day of March, in the room near the Great Hall of the Castle of Rouen. The Promoter opened the case. Present: The Bishop and Brother Jean Lemaître, assisted by 38 Assessors.
He then shewed the text of the accusation drawn up by him against Jeanne, in the which are found stated the Articles just spoken of, and of which the tenour shall be written below.
This done, We, the Judges, did request the Lords and Masters here present to deliberate and to give Us their opinion.
This deliberation[[86]] took place in presence of Jeanne, as follows:
And first, Maître Nicolas de Venderès said: that Jeanne should in the first place be compelled to swear what the Promoter hath rightly demanded; that should Jeanne refuse to swear, she be accounted contumacious and excommunicate, and be proceeded against according to law.