NOTES Section 2: Literary, Historical and Linguistic Notes.
| 1.I | 2.I |
Je,Christine, qui ay plouré XI ans en abbaye close, Où j'ay tousjours puis demouré Que Charles (c'est estrange chose!), Le filz du roy, se dire l'ose, S'en fouy de Paris de tire, Par la traïson là enclose, Ore à prime me prens à rire; |
I, Christine, who have wept for eleven years in a walled abbey where I have lived ever since Charles (how strange this is!) the King's son--dare I say it?--fled in haste from Paris, I who have lived enclosed there on account of the treachery, now, for the first time, begin to laugh; |
| 1.II. | 2.II |
A rire bonement de joie Me prens pour le temps yvernage Qui se depart, où je souloie Me tenir tristement en cage. Mais or changeray mon langage De pleur en chant, quant recouvré Ay bon temps Bien ma part avoir enduré. |
I begin to laugh heartily for joy at the departure of the wintry season, during which I was wont to live confined to a dreary cage. But now I shall change my language from one of tears to one of song, because I have found the good season once again ... well endured my share. |
| 1.III | 2.III |
L'an mil CCCCXXIX Reprint à luire li soleil. Il ramene le bon temps neuf Qu'on [n'] avoit veü de droit oil Puis long temps, dont plusers en dueil Orent vesqu; j'en suis de ceulx. Mais plus de rien je ne me dueil, Quant ores voy ce que [je] veulx. |
In 1429 the sun began to shine again. It brings back the good, new season which had not really been seen for a long time--and because of that many people had lived out their lives in sorrow; I myself am one of them. But I no longer grieve over anything, now that I can see what I desire. |
| 1.IV | 2.IV |
Si est bien le vers retourné De grant dueil en joie nouvelle Depuis le temps qu'ay sejourné Là où je suis, et la tresbelle Saison, que printemps on appelle, La Dieu mercy, qu'ay desirée, Où toute rien se renouvelle, S'est du sec au vert temps tirée. |
But since the time when I came to stay where I am the situation has completely changed, great sorrow has given way to new joy and, thanks be to God, the lovely season called Spring, which I have longed for and in which every creature/thing is renewed, has brought greenness out of barren winter. |
| 1.V | 2.V |
C'est que le degeté enfant Du roy de France legitime, Qui long temps a esté souffrant Mains grans ennuiz, qui or aprime, Se lieva ainsi que vers prime, Venant comme roy coronné En puissance tresgrande et fine, Et d'espérons d'or espronné. |
The reason is that the rejected child of the rightful King of France, who has long suffered many a great misfortune and who now approaches, rose up as if towards prime, coming as a crowned King in might and majesty, wearing spurs of gold. |
| 1.VI | 2.VI |
Or faisons feste à nostre roy! Que tresbien soit-il revenu! Resjoïz de son noble arroy, Alons trestous, grant et menu, Au devant -- nul ne soit tenu! - Menant joie le saluer, Louant Dieu, qui l'a maintenu, Criant "Noël!" en hault huer. |
Now let us greet out King! Welcome to him on his return! Overjoyed at the sight of his noble array, let us all, both great and small, step forward to greet him joyously - and let no one hold back - praising God, who has kept him safe, and shouting 'Noël!' in a loud voice. |
| 1.VII | 2.VII |
Mais or vueil raconter comment Dieu a tout ce fait de sa grace, A qui je pri qu'avisement Me doint, que rien je n'y trespasse. Raconté soit en toute place, Car ce est digne de mémoire, Et escript, à qui que desplace, En mainte cronique et hystoire! |
But now I wish to relate how God, to whom I pray for guidance lest I omit anything, accomplished all this through His grace. May it be told everywhere, for it is worthy of being remembered, and may it be written down - no matter whom it may displease - in many a chronicle and history-book! |
| 1.VIII | 2.VIII |
Oyez par tout l'univers monde Chose sur toute merveillable! Notez se Dieu, en qui habonde Toute grace, est point secourable Au droit en fin. C'est fait notable, Consideré le présent cas! Si soit aux deceilz valable, Que Fortune a flati à cas! |
Now hear, throughout the whole world, of sornething which is more wonderful than anything else! See if God, in whom all grace abounds, does not in the end support what is right. This is a fact worthy of note, given the matter in band! And let it be of profit to the disillusioned, whom Fortune has cast down! |
| 1.IX | 2.IX |
Et note[z] comment esbahir Ne se doit nul pour infortune, Se voiant à grant tort haïr, Et courir sus par voix commune! Voie[z] comment tousjours n'est une Fortune, qui a nuit à maint! Car Dieu, qui aux tors faiz repune, Ceulx relieve en qui espoir maint. |
And note how, when someone finds himself quite unjustly attacked and hated on all sides, there is no need for such a person to feel dismayed by misfortune. See how Fortune, Who bas harmed many a one, is so inconstant, for God, Who opposes all wrong deeds, raises up those in whom hope dwells. |
| 1.X | 2.X |
Qui vit doncques chose avenir Plus hors de toute opinion (Qui à noter et souvenir Fait bien en toute région), Que France (de qui mention On faisoit que jus ert ruée) Soit, par divine mission, Du mal en si grant bien muée, |
Did anyone, then, see anything quite so extraordinary come to pass (something that is well Worth noting and remembering in every region), namely, that France (about whom it was said she had been cast down) should see her fortunes change, by divine command, from evil to such great good, |
| 1.XI | 2.XI |
Par tel miracle voirement Que, se la chose n'yert notoire Et évident quoy et comment, Il n'est homs qui le peiist croire? Chose est bien digne de mémoire Que Dieu, par une vierge tendre, Ait adès voulu (chose est voire!) Sur France si grant grace estendre. |
as the result, indeed, of such a miracle that, if the matter were not so well-known and crystal-clear in every aspect, nobody would ever believe it? It is a fact well Worth remembering that God should nevertheless have wished (and this is the truth!) to bestow such great blessings on France, through a young virgin. |
| 1.XII | 2.XII |
0 quel honneur à la couronne De France par divine preuve! Car par les graces qu'Il lui donne Il appert comment Il l'apreuve, Et que plus foy qu'autre part treuve En l'estat royal, dont je lix Qu'oncques (ce n'est pas chose neuve!) En foy n'errerent fleurs de lix. |
And what honour for the French crown, this proof of divine intervention! For all the blessings which God bestows upon it demonstrate how much He favours it and that He finds more faith in the Royal House than anywhere else; as far as it is concerned, I read (and there is nothing new in this) that the Lilies of France never erred in matters of faith. |
| 1.XIII | 2.XIII |
Et tu, Charles, roy des Francois, VIIe d'icellui hault nom, Qui si grant guerre as eue aincois Que bien t'en prensist se peu non: Mais, Dieu grace, or voiz ton renon Hault eslevé par la Pucelle, Qui a soubzmis soubz ton penon Tes ennemis (chose est nouvelle!) |
And you Charles, King of France, seventh of that noble name, Who have been involved in such a great war before things turned out at all well for you, now, thanks be to God, see your honour exalted by the Maid Who has laid low your enemies beneath your standard (and this is new!) |
| 1.XIV | 2.XIV |
En peu de temps; que l'on cuidoit Que ce feust com chose impossible Que ton pays, qui se perdoit, Reusses jamais. Or est visible- Ment tien, [puis que] qui que nuisible T'ait esté, tu l'as recouvré! C'est par la Pucelle sensible, Dieu mercy, qui y a ouvré! |
in a short time; for it was believed quite impossible that you should ever recover your country which you were on the point of losing. Now it is manifestly yours for, no matter who may have done you harm, you have recovered it! And all this has been brought about by the intelligence of the Maid who, God be thanked, has played her part in this matter! |
| 1.XV | 2.XV |
Si croy fermement que tel grace Ne te seroit de Dieu donnée, Se à toy, en temps et espace, Il n'estoit de Lui ordonnée Quelque grant chose solempnée A terminer et mettre à chief, Et qu'Il t'ait donné destinée D'estre de tresgrans faiz le chief. |
And I firmly believe that God would never have bestowed such grace upon you if it were not ordained by Him that you should, in the course of time, accomplish and bring to completion some great and solemn task; I believe too that He has destined you to be the author of very great deeds. |
| 1.XVI | 2.XVI |
Car ung roy de France doit estre Charles, filz de Charles, nommé, Qui sur tous rois sera grant maistre. Propheciez l'ont surnommé "Le Cerf Volant," et consomé Sera par cellui conquereur Maint fait (Dieu l'a à ce somé), Et en fin doit estre empereur. |
For there will be a King of France called Charles, son of Charles, who will be supreme ruler over all Kings. Prophecies have given him the name of 'The Flying Stag', and many a deed will be accomplished by this conqueror (God bas called him to this task) and in the end he will be emperor. |
| 1.XVII | 2.XVII |
Tout ce est le prouffit de t'ame. Je prie à Dieu que cellui soies, Et qu'Il te doint, sans le gref d'ame, Tant vivre qu'encoures tu voyes Tes enfans grans, et toutes joyes Par toy et eulz soient en France! Mais en servant Dieu toutesvoies, Ne guerre [plus] n'y face oultrance! |
All this is to the profit of your soul. I pray to God that you may be the person I have described, and that He grant you long life, to nobody's harm, so that you may yet see your children grown up, I pray too that all joy come to France because of you and them! But, as you serve God always, may war never cause havoc there again (or by emending face to face[s]: 'May you never wage war to the death there again!') |
| 1.XVIII | 2.XVIII |
Et j'ay espoir que bon seras, Droiturier et amant justice, Et [tres] tous autres passeras, Mais qu'orgueil ton fait ne honnisse; A ton pueple doulz et propice, Et crairignant Dieu, qui t'a esleu Pour son servant (si com prémisse En as), mais que faces ton deu. |
I hope that you will be good and upright, and a lover of justice and that you will surpass all others, provided your deeds are not tarnished by pride, that you will be gentle and well-disposed towards your people, that you will always love God who elected you as His servant (and you have a first manifestation of this), on condition that you do your duty. |
| 1.XIX | 2.XIX |
Et comment pourras-tu jamais Dieu mercier à souffisance, Servir, doubter en tous tes fais, Qui de si grant contrariance T'a mis à paix, et toute France Relevée de tel ruyne, Quant sa tressainte providence T'a fait de si grant honneur digne? |
And how will you ever be able to thank God enough, serve and fear Him in all your deeds (for He has led you from such great adversity to peace and raised up the whole of France from such ruin) when His most holy providence made you worthy of such signal honour? |
| 1.XX | 2.XX |
Tu en soyes loué, hault Dieu! A Toy gracier tous tenuz Sommes, qui donné temps et lieu As, où ces biens sont avenus. [A] jointes mains, grans et menus, Graces Te rendons, Dieu céleste, Par qui nous sommes parvenus A paix, et hors de grant tempeste! |
May You be praised for this, great God! It is our bounden duty to thank You who decreed time and place for these blessings to come about. With hands clasped, both great and small, we all thank You, Heavenly Lord, who have guided us through the great tempest into peace [ful water]. |
| 1.XXI | 2.XXI |
Et toy, Pucelle beneurée, Y dois-tu estre obliée, Puis que Dieu t'a tant honnorée Que as la corde desliée Qui tenoit France estroit liée? Te pourroit-on assez louer Quant ceste terre, humiliée Par guerre, as fait de paix douer? |
And you, blessed Maid, are you to be forgotten, given that God honoured you so much that you untied the rope which held France so tightly bound? Could one ever praise you enough for having bestowed peace on this land humiliated by war? |
| 1.XXII | 2.XXII |
Tu, Jehanne, de bonne heure née, Benoist soit cil qui te créa! Pucelle de Dieu ordonnée, En qui le Saint Esprit réa Sa grant grace, en qui ot et a Toute largesse de hault don, N'onc requeste ne te véa. Qui te rendra assez guerdon? |
Blessed be He who created you, Joan, who were born at a propitious hour! Maiden sent from God, into whom the Holy Spirit poured His great grace, in whom [Le. the Holy Spirit] there was and is an abundance of noble gifts, never did Providence refuse you any request. Who can ever begin to repay you? |
| 1.XXIII | 2.XXIII |
Que puet-il d'autre estre dit plus Ne des grans faiz des temps passez? Moÿses, en qui Dieu afflus Mist graces et vertuz assez, Il tira, sans estre lassez, Le pueple de Dieu hors d'Egipte Par miracle. Ainsi repassez Nous as de mal, Pucelle eslite! |
And what more can be said of any other person or of the great deeds of the past? Moses, upon whom God in His bounty bestowed many a blessing and virtue, miraculously and indefatigably led God's people out of Egypt. In the same way, blessed Maid, you have led us out of evil! |
| 1.XXIV | 2.XXIV |
Considerée ta personne, Qui es une jeune pucelle, A qui Dieu force et povoir donne D'estre le champion et celle Qui donne à France la mamelle De paix et doulce norriture, Et ruer jus la gent rebelle, Véez bien chose oultre nature! |
When we take your person into account, you who are a young maiden, to whom God gives the strength and power to be the champion who casts the rebels down and feeds France with the sweet, nourishing milk of peace, here indeed is something quite extraordinary! |
| 1.XXV | 2.XXV |
Car, se Dieu fist par Josué Des miracles à si grant somme, Conquérant lieux, et jus rué Y furent maint, il estoit homme Fort et puissant. Mais, toute somme, Une femme -- simple bergiere - Plus preux qu'onc homs ne fut à Romme! Quant à Dieu, c'est chose legiere. |
For if God performed such a great number of miracles through Joshua who conquered many a place and cast down many an enemy, he, Joshua, was a strong and powerful man. But, after ail, a woman - a simple shepherdess - braver than any man ever was in Rome! As far as God is concerned, this was easily accom- plished. |
| 1.XXVI | 2.XXVI |
Mais quant à nous, oncques parler N'oÿsmes de si grant merveille, Car tous les preux au long aler Qui ont esté; ne s'appareille Leur prouesse à ceste qui veille A bouter hors noz ennemis. Mais ce fait Dieu, qui la conseille, En qui cuer plus que d'omme a mis. |
But as for us, we never heard tell of such an extraord- inary marvel, for the prowess of ail the great men of the past cannot be compared to this woman's whose concern it is to cast out our enemies. This is God's doing: it is He who guides her and who has given her a heart greater than that of any man. |
| 1.XXVII | 2.XXVII |
De Gedeon on fait grant compte, Qui simple laboureur estoit, Et Dieu le fist, ce dit le conte, Combatre, ne nul n'arrestoit Contre lui, et tout conquestoit. Mais onc miracle si appert Ne fist, quoy qu'Il ammonestoit, Com pour ceste fait, il appert. |
Much is made of Gideon, who was a simple workman, and it was God, so the story tells, who made him fight; nobody could stand firm before him and he conquered everything. But whatever guidance God gave [him], it is clear that He never performed so striking a miracle as He does for this woman. |
| 1.XXVIII | 2.XXVIII |
Hester, Judith et Delbora, Qui furent dames de grant pris, Par lesqueles Dieu restora Son pueple, qui fort estoit pris, Et d'autres plusers ay apris Qui furent preuses, n'y ot celle, Mains miracles en a pourpris. Plus a fait par ceste Pucelle. |
I have heard of Esther, Judith and Deborah, who were women of great worth, through whom God delivered His people from oppression, and I have heard of many other worthy women as well, champions every one, through them He performed many miracles, but He has accomplished more through this Maid. |
| 1.XXIX | 2.XXIX |
Par miracle fut envoiée Et divine amonition, De l'ange de Dieu convoiée Au roy, pour sa provision. Son fait n'est pas illusion, Car bien a esté esprouvée Par conseil (en conclusion, A l'effect la chose est prouvée), |
She was miraculously sent by divine command and conducted by the angel of the Lord to the King, in order to help him. Her achievement is no illusion for she was carefully put to the test in council (in short, a thing is proved by its effect) |
| 1.XXX | 2.XXX |
Et bien esté examinée A, ains que l'on l'ait voulu croire, Devant clers et sages menée Pour ensercher se chose voire Disoit, ainçois qu'il fust notoire Que Dieu l'eust vers le roy tramise. Mais on a trouvé en histoire Qu'à ce faire elle estoit commise; |
and well examined, before people were prepared to believe her; before it became common knowledge that God had sent her to the King, she was brought before clerks and wise men so that they could find out if she was telling the truth. But it was found in history records that she was destined to accomplish her mission; |
| 1.XXXI | 2.XXXI |
Car Merlin et Sebile et Bede, Plus de Vc ans a la virent En esperit, et pour remede En France en leurs escripz la mirent, Et leur[s] prophecies en firent, Disans qu'el pourteroit baniere Es guerres françoises, et dirent De son fait toute la maniere. |
for more than 500 years ago, Merlin, the Sibyl and Bede foresaw her coming, entered her in their writings as someone who would put an end to France's troubles, made prophecies about her, saying that she would carry the banner in the French wars and describing all that she would achieve. |
| 1.XXXII | 2.XXXII |
Et sa belle vie, par foy, Monstre qu'elle est de Dieu en grace; Par quoy on adjouste plus foy A son fait. Car, quoy qu'elle face, Tousjours a Dieu devant la face, Qu'elle appelle, sert et deprie En fait, en dit; ne va en place Où sa devotion detrie. |
And, in truth, the beauty of her life proves that she has been blessed with God's grace - and for that reason her actions are more readily accepted as genuine. For whatever she does, she always has her eyes fixed on God, to whom she prays and whom she invokes and serves in word and deed; nowhere does her devotion ever falter. |
| 1.XXXIII | 2.XXXIII |
0! comment lors bien y paru Quant le siege ert devant Orliens, Où premier sa force apparu! Onc miracle, si com je tiens, Ne fut plus cler, car Dieu aux siens Aida telement, qu'ennemis Ne s'aiderent ne que mors chiens. Là furent prins et à mort mis. |
Oh, how clear this was at the siege of Orléans where her power was first made manifest! It is my belief that no miracle was ever more evident, for God so came to the help of His people that our enemies were unable to help each other any more than would dead dogs. It was there that they were captured and put to death. |
| 1.XXXIV | 2.XXXIV |
Hee! quel honneur au femenin Sexe! Que Dieu l'ayme il appert, Quant tout ce grant pueple chenin, Par qui tout le regne ert desert, Par femme est sours et recouvert, Ce que Cm hommes [fait] n'eussent, Et les traictres mis à desert! A peine devant ne le creussent. |
Oh! What honour for the female sex! It is perfectly obvious that God has special regard for it when all these wretched people who destroyed the whole King dom - now recovered and made safe by a woman, some thing that 5000 men could not have done - and the traitors [have been] exterminated. Before the event they would scarcely have believed this possible. |
| 1.XXXV | 2.XXXV |
Une fillete de XVI ans (N'est-ce pas chose fors nature?), A qui armes ne sont pesans, Ains semble que sa norriture Y soit, tant y est fort et dure! Et devant elle vont fuyant Les ennemis, ne nul n'y dure. Elle fait ce, mains yeulx voiant, |
A little girl of sixteen (isn't this something quite super natural?) who does not even notice the weight of the arms she bears - indeed her whole upbringing seems to have prepared her for this, so strong and resolute is she! And her enemies go fleeing before her, not one of them can stand up to her. She does all this in full view of everyone, |
| 1.XXXVI | 2.XXXVI |
Et d'eulx va France descombrant, En recouvrant chasteaulx et villes. Jamais force ne fu si grant, Soient ou à cens ou à miles! Et de noz gens preux et abiles Elle est principal chevetaine. Tel force n'ot Hector n'Achilles! Mais tout ce fait Dieu, qui la menne. |
and drives her enemies out of France, recapturing castles and towns. Never did anyone see greater strength, even in hundreds or thousands of men! And she is the supreme captain of our brave and able men. Neither Hector nor Achilles had such strength! This is God's doing: it is He who leads her. |
| 1.XXXVII | 2.XXXVII |
Et vous, gens d'armes esprouvez, Qui faites l'execution, Et bons et loyaulx vous prouvez, Bien faire on en doit mention (Louez en toute nation Vous en serez!), et sans faillance Parler sur toute election De vous, et de vostre vaillance, |
And you trusty men-at-arms who carry out the task and prove yourselves to be good and loyal, one must certainly make mention of you (you will be praised in every nation!) and not fail to speak of you and your valour in preference to everything else, |
| 1.XXXVIII | 2.XXXVIII |
Qui sanc, corps et vie exposez Pour le droit, en peine si dure, Et contre tous perilz osez Vous aler mettre à l'avanture. Soiés constans, car je vous jure Qu'en aurés gloire ou ciel et los! Car qui se combat pour droiture Paradis gaingne, dire l'os. |
you who, in pain and suffering, expose life and limb in defence of what is right and dare to risk confronting every danger. Be constant, for this, I promise, will win you glory and praise in heaven. For whoever fights for justice wins a place in Paradise - this I do venture to say. |
| 1.XXXIX | 2.XXXIX |
Si rabaissez, Anglois, voz cornes Car jamais n'aurez beau gibier! En France ne menez voz sornes! Matez estes en l'eschiquier. Vous ne [le] pensiez pas l'autrier, Où tant vous monstriez perilleux; Mais n'estiez encour ou santier, Où Dieu abat les orguilleux. |
And so, you English, draw in your horns for you will never capture any good game! Don't attempt any foolish enterprise in France! You have been check-mated. A short time ago, when you looked so fierce, you had no inkling that this would be so; but you were not yet treading the path upon which God casts down the proud. |
| 1.XL | 2.XL |
Ja cuidiés France avoir gaingnée, Et qu'elle vous deust demourer. Autrement va, faulse mesgnié[e]! Vous irés ailleurs tabourer, Se ne voulez assavourer La mort, comme voz compaignons, Que loups pevent bien devourer, Car mors gisent par les sillons! |
You thought you had already conquered France and that she must remain yours. Things have turned out other- wise, you treacherous lot! Go and beat your drums elsewhere, unless you want to taste death, like your companions, whom wolves may well devour, for their bodies lie dead amidst the furrows! |
| 1.XLI | 2.XLI |
Et sachez que par elle Anglois Seront mis jus sans relever, Car Dieu le veult, qui oit les voiz Des bons qu'ilz ont voulu grever! Le sanc des occis sans lever Crie contre eulz. Dieu ne veult plus Le souffrir, ains les reprouver Comme mauvais, il est conclus. |
And know that she will cast down the English for good, for this is God's will: He hears the prayer of the good whom they wanted to harm! The blood of those who are dead and have no hope of being brought back to life again cries out against them. God will tolerate this no longer - He has decided, rather, to condemn them as evil. |
| 1.XLII | 2.XLII |
En Christianté et l'Eglise Sera par elle mis concorde. Les mescreans dont on devise, Et les herites de vie orde Destruira, car ainsi l'acorde Prophecie, qui l'a predit, Ne point n'aura misericorde De lieu, qui la foy Dieu laidit. |
She will restore harmony in Christendom and the Church. She will destroy the unbelievers people talk about, and the heretics and their vile ways, for this is the substance of a prophecy that has been made. Nor will she have mercy on any place which treats faith in God with disrespect. |
| 1.XLIII | 2.XLIII |
Des Sarradins fera essart, En conquerant la Saintte Terre. Là menra Charles, que Dieu gard! Ains qu'il muire, fera tel erre. Cilz est cil qui la doit conquerre. Là doit-elle finer sa vie, Et l'un et l'autre gloire acquerre. Là sera la chose assovye. |
She will destroy the Saracens, by conquering the Holy Land. She will lead Charles there, whom God preserve! Before he dies he will make such a journey. He is the one who is to conquer it. It is there that she is to end her days and that both of them are to win glory. It is there that the whole enterprise will be brought to completion. |
| 1.XLIV | 2.XLIV |
Donc desur tous les preux passez, Ceste doit porter la couronne, Car ses faiz ja monstrent assez Que plus prouesse Dieu lui donne Qu'à tous ceulz de qui l'on raisonne. Et n'a pas encor tout parfait! Si croy que Dieu ça jus l'adonne, Afin que paix soit par son fait. |
Therefore, in preference to all the brave men of times past, this woman must wear the crown, for her deeds show clearly enough already that God bestows more courage upon her than upon all those men about whom people speak. And she bas not yet accomplished her whole mission! I believe that God bestows her here below so that peace may be brought about through her deeds. |
| 1.XLV | 2.XLV |
Si est tout le mains qu'à faire ait Que destruire l'Englecherie, Car elle a ailleurs plus son hait C'est que la Foy ne soit perie. Quant des Anglois, qui que s'en rie Ou pleure, il en est sué. Le temps avenir moquerie En sera fait. Jus sont rué! |
And yet destroying the English race is not her main concern for her aspirations lie more elsewhere: it is her concern to ensure the survival of the Faith. As for the English, whether it be a matter for joy or sorrow, they are done for. In days to come scorn will be heaped on them. They have been cast down! |
| 1.XLVI | 2.XLVI |
Et vous, rebelles rouppieux, Qui à eulz vous estes adhers, Or voiez-vous qu'il vous fust mieulx D'estre alez droit que le revers, Pour devenir aux Anglois serfs. Gardez que plus ne vous aviengne (Car trop avez esté souffers), Et de la fin bien [vous] souviengne! |
And all you base rebels who have joined them, you can see now that it would have been better for you to have gone forwards rather than backwards as you did, thereby becoming the serfs of the English. Beware that more does not befall you (for you have been tolerated long enough!), and remember what the outcome will be! |
| 1.XLVII | 2.XLVII |
N'appercevez-vous, gent avugle, Que Dieu a icy la main mise? Et qui ne le voit est bien bugle, Car comment seroit en tel guise Ceste Pucelle ça tramise Qui tous mors vous fait jus abatre? -- Ne force [n']avez qui souffise! Voulez-vous contre Dieu combatre? |
Oh, all you blind people, can't you detect God's hand in this? If you can't, you are truly stupid for how else could the Maid who strikes you all down dead have been sent to us? - And you don't have sufficient strength! Do you want to fight against God? |
| 1.XLVIII | 2.XLVIII |
N'a el le roy mené au sacre, Que tousjours tenoit par la main? Plus grant chose oncques devant Acre Ne fu faite; car pour certain Des contrediz y ot tout plain. Mais, maulgré tous, à grant noblesse Y fu receu, et tout à plain Sacré, et là ouÿ la messe. |
Has she not led the King with her own hand to his coronation? No greater deed was performed at Acre; for there were certainly plenty of opponents. But in spite of everyone, he was most nobly received and truly anointed, and there he heard mass. |
| 1.XLIX | 2.XLIX |
Atresgrant triumphe et puissance Fu Charles couronné à Rains, L'an mil CCCC, sans doubtance, [Et XXIX, tout] sauf et sains, Ou gens d'armes et barons mains, Droit ou XVIIe jour De juillet. [Pou plus ou pou mains'] Par là fu V jours à sejour, |
It was exactly on the 17th day of July 1429 that Charles was, without any doubt, safely crowned at Rheims, amidst great triumph and splendour and surrounded by many men-at-arms and barons; and he stayed there for approximately five days, |
| 1.L | 2.L |
Avecques lui la Pucellette. En retournant par son païs, Cité ne chastel ne villete Ne remaint. Amez ou haÿs Qu'il soit, ou soient esbaïs Ou asseurez, les habitans Se rendent. Pou sont envahis, Tant sont sa puissance doubtans! |
with the little Maid. As he returns through his country, neither city nor castle nor small town can hold out against them. Whether be be loved or hated, whether they be dismayed or reassured, the inhabitants surrender. Few are attacked, so fearful are they of his power. |
| 1.LI | 2.LI |
Voir est qu'aucuns de leur folie Cuident resister, mais peu vault, Car au derrain, qui contralie, A Dieu compere le deffault. C'est pour neant. Rendre leur fault, Vueillent ou non. N'y a si forte Résistance qui à l'assault De la Pucelle ne soit morte, |
It is true that some, in their folly, think they can resist, but this serves little purpose, for, in the end, whoever does offer opposition must pay God for his mistake. It is quite pointless. Whether they want to or not, they must surrender. No matter how strong the resistance offered, it collapses beneath the Maid's assault, |
| 1.LII | 2.LII |
Quoy qu'on ait fait grant assemblée, Cuidant son retour contredire Et lui courir sur par emblée; Mais plus n'y fault confort de mire, Car tous mors et pris tire à tire Y ont esté les contrediz, Et envoyez, com j'oÿ dire, En Enfer ou en Paradis. |
even though huge forces were gathered together, in order to launch a surprise attack and bar his return; but there is no need for a doctor's attentions now, for all his opponents have been captured and killed, one by one, and dispatched, so I've been told, to Heaven or Hell. |
| 1.LIII | 2.LIII |
Ne sçay se Paris se tendra (Car encoures n'y sont-ilz mie), Ne se la Pucelle attendra, Mais s'il en fait son ennemie, Je me doubt que dure escremie Lui rende, si qu'ailleurs a fait. S'ilz resistent heure ne demie, Mal ira, je croy, de son fait, |
I don't know if Paris will hold out (for they have not reached there yet) or if the Maid will delay [or if it will resist the Maid]. But if it decides to see her as an enemy, I fear that she will subject it to a fierce attack, as she bas done elsewhere. If they offer resistance for an hour, or even half an hour, it's my belief that things will go badly for them, |
| 1.LIV | 2.LIV |
Car ens entrera, qui qu'en groingne! -- La Pucelle lui a promis. Paris, tu cuides que Bourgoingne Defende qu'il ne soit ens mis? Non fera, car ses ennemis Point ne se fait. Nul n'a puissance Qui l'en gardast, et tu soubmis Seras, et ton oultrecuidance! |
for [the King] will enter Paris, no matter who may grumble about it! - The Maid has given her word that he will. Paris, do you think Burgundy will prevent him from entering? By no means, for he does not see himself as an enemy. Nobody has the power to prevent him, and you will be overcome, you and your presumption! |
| 1.LV | 2.LV |
0 Paris tresmal conseillié! Folz habitans sans confiance! Ayme[s]-tu mieulz estre essillié Qu'à ton prince faire accordance? Certes, ta grant contrariance Te destruira, se ne t'avises! Trop mieulx te feust par suppliance Requerir mercy. Mal y vises! |
Oh Paris, how could you be so ill-advised? Foolish inhabitants, you are lacking in trust! Do you prefer to be laid waste, Paris, rather than make peace with your prince? If you are not careful your great opposition will destroy you. It would bc far better for you if you were to humbly beg for mercy. You are quite miscalculat- ing! |
| 1.LVI | 2.LVI |
J'entens des mauvais, car des bons Y a maint, je n'en fais pas doubte, Mais parler n'osent, j'en respons, A qui moult il desplaist sans doubte Que leur prince ainsi on deboute. Si n'auront pas ceulx deservie La punition où se boute Paris, où maint perdront la vie. |
It is the evil inhabitants I'm referring to, for there are many good people there, I have no doubt about that; but, take my word for it, these good people, who are no doubt much displeased to see their prince rejected in this way, do not dare speak out. They will not merit the punishment which will fall upon Paris and cost many a person his life. |
| 1.LVII | 2.LVII |
Et vous, toutes villes rebelles, Et gens qui avez regnié Vostre seigneur, et ceulx et celles Qui pour autre l'avez nié, Or soit après aplaniè Par doulceur, requerant pardon! Car se vous este[s] manié A force, à tart vendrez au don. |
And as for you, all you rebel towns, all of you who have renounced your lord, all of you men and women who have transferred your allegiance to another, may every thing now be peacefully settled, with you beseeching his pardon! For if force is used against you, the gift [i.e.of forgiveness] will come too late [i.e. not at all, never]. |
| 1.LVIII | 2.LVIII |
Et qu'i[l] ne soit occision Faite, retarde tant qu'il puet, Ne sur char d'omme incision, Car de sang espandre se deult. Mais, au fort, qui rendre ne veult Par bel et doulceur ce qu'est sien, Se par force en effusion De sang le recouvre, il fait bien. |
And so as to avoid killing and wounding anyone [the King] delays for as long as he can, for the spilling of blood grieves him. But, in the end, if someone does not want to hand over, with good grace, what is rightly his, he is perfectly justified if he does recover it by force and bloodshed. |
| 1.LIX | 2.LIX |
Helas! Il est si debonnaire Qu'à chascun il veult pardonner! Et la Pucelle lui fait faire, Qui ensuit Dieu. Or ordonner Vueillez voz cueurs et vous donner Comme loyaulx François à lui! Et quant on l'orra sermonner N'en serés reprins de nulluy. |
Alas! He is so magnanimous that he wishes to pardon each and everyone. And it is the Maid, the faithful servant of God, who makes him do this. Now as loyal Frenchmen submit your hearts and yourselves to him! And when you hear him speak, you will not be reproached by anyone. |
| 1.LX | 2.LX |
Si pry Dieu qu'Il mecte en courage A vous tous qu'ainsy le faciez, Afin que le cruel orage De ces guerres soit effaciez, Et que vostre vie passiez En paix, soubz vostre chief greigneur, Si que jamais ne l'offensiez Et que vers vous soit bon seigneur. Amen |
And I pray to God that He will prevail upon you to act in this way, so that the cruel storm of these wars may be erased from memory and that you may live your lives in peace, always loyal to your supreme ruler, so that you may never offend him and that he may be a good overlord to you. Amen. |
| 1.LXI | 2.LXI |
Donné ce Ditié par Christine, L'an dessusdit mil CCCC Et XXIX, le jour où fine Le mois de juillet. Mais j'entens Qu'aucuns se tendront mal contens De ce qu'il contient, car qui chiere A embrunche, et les yeux pesans, Ne puet regarder la lumiere. Explicit ung tresbel Ditié fait par Christine. |
This poem was completed by Christine in the above mentioned year, 1429, on the last day of July. But I believe that some people will bc displeased by its contents, for a person whose head is bowed and whose eyes are heavy canne look at the light. Explicit a very beautiful poem composed by Christine. |