Du Chatel. Come, come, my sovereign, let us fly this place!
Archbishop to Johanna. In the name of God, I speak to thee. Art silent From pride of innocence, or shame of guilt? If now this voice of thunder testify For thee,—in sign thereof embrace this cross.
[Johanna remains motionless. Repeated peals of thunder. All leave the church except Dunois.
Dunois. Thou art my own bride, Johanna! I
Have from the first believed, and still believe.
Thee will I rather trust than all these signs,
Than even this thunder speaking from above.
'Tis noble pride withholds thee, thou disdain'st
Wrapt in thy sacred innocence, these mad
Outrageous charges to refute.
Disdain so still; confide alone in me,
Who of thy purity have doubted never,
I ask no word; place but thy hand in mine,
In token that thou wilt confide in me,
In this arm and thy own good cause.
[He extends his hand. She turns away with convulsive start.
(Du Chatel re-enters, and afterwards Raimond.)
Du Chatel. Johanna d'Arc! The king permits
That undisturb'd you quit the town of Rheims.
The gates stand open; no man shall molest you.
Count Dumois, follow me—you gain no honour in lingering here.
[Du Chatel and Dunois leave
Raimond. Seize on this moment! The streets are empty—give me your hand.
[Johanna looks upwards to heaven, then hastily taking his hand, goes out.