Chinon - Eloy

Exhausted by a dangerous ride

Unperceived In coldest winter’s night

Through hostile territory

Danger all around

No place to hide

No shelter to be found

At last we see the mighty castle of Chinon

(We're) reaching finally the drawbridge to the court

Guards in arms observe

Every move we make

(Their) furtive glances follow us

Incessantly

As behind the wall

The glow of sunset light

A tiny evening bell

Heralds the nearing night

Escorted by some guards

We’re crossing through the yard

A festive roar

Is sounding from afar

Chants and laughter everywhere

Dissipated in the air

The festive mood dies down

As Jeanne enters the room of celebration

No noise is breaking the silence

While the virgin of Lorraine glides across through the room

Only the crackle of the fireplace is still audible

And anticipation fills the air

Instead of the Dauphin Charles, who observes the scene from amidst the crowd of

his courtiers, the Duke of Bourbon has taken his place on the throne to welcome

her

They prepared the deceit to find out if she is really guided by God

The tension grows with every step

The Duke requests her desire but instead of answering him

She turns away (without a single word)

Silently crossing the throne hall, her vivid eyes roaming the congregation —

her step full of purpose she approaches a group by the fire place gathered

around the Dauphin (to accomplish the deceit)

A whispered murmur rises in the room

A collective exclamation of amazement breaks the silence

As Jeanne finally kneels in front of the true king

Jeanne speaks to the Dauphin Charles:

«Noble Dauphin, only for you, and to bring you help, have I undertaken the long

journey hither.

Why do you deceive me?

No one else can take your place.

God speaks to you through me.

It is his will that you, as the rightful heir to

the throne, become the anointed King of France.

God sent me to do this.

Let me drive the enemy from our country and lead you to Reims to your

con­secration.

But first send me with an army to Orléans to end the siege of

that beleaguered city and clear the path to your coronation.»

Charles:

«Though I may trust your spoken word, Jeanne — the church must first examine

you.»

Board of Examiners in Poitiers:

«Liminate all doubts

We need to know the truth

If God’s your guiding hand

Show us a miracle

We need some proof

Of your virginity

That you’re the chosen one

To free our suffering land

Tell us about

Your revelation

To help us find out

If all you say is real

Why should almighty God

Need warriors in this war

Out on the battlefields

To gain our liberty»

Jeanne:

«The soldiers shall fight and God will give us our victory»