Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain.
Chapter 1
Epigraph
The epigraph presents a striking observation by Louis Kossuth that Joan of Arc is the only person in all of recorded history to hold supreme command of a nation's military forces at the age of seventeen, highlighting her unique and unprecedented achievement.
Chapter 2
Bibliography
This chapter lists the historical authorities and texts consulted to verify the truthfulness of the narrative, including works by Quicherat, Fabre, Wallon, Sepet, Michelet, and others.
Chapter 3
Translator's Preface
The Translator's Preface presents a defense of Joan of Arc's character, arguing that she is unique in history for being flawless by any era's standards. It contrasts her virtues—truthfulness, honesty, modesty, courage, purity, and selflessness—with the corruption and brutality of her age. The preface highlights her miraculous achievements: a young, illiterate village girl who rallied a defeated nation, turned the tide of the Hundred Years' War, crowned the King, and died a martyr, betrayed by the very King and church she served.
Chapter 4
A Peculiarity of Joan of Arc's History
This chapter explains that the biography of Joan of Arc is unique because it is the only life story that comes to us under oath, from the witness-stand, preserved in the official records of the Great Trial of 1431 and the Process of Rehabilitation. The Sieur Louis de Conte's Personal Recollections are faithful to this official history, but his added particulars depend on his word alone.
Chapter 5
The Sieur Louis de Conte to His Great-Great-Grand Nephews and Nieces
The narrator, the Sieur Louis de Conte, introduces himself at age 82 in 1492, recalling his childhood friendship with Joan of Arc, his service as her page and secretary, and his presence with her from beginning to end. He reflects on her greatness and the tragedy of her martyrdom.
Chapter 6
Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc
The Sieur Louis de Conte introduces his personal recollections of Joan of Arc, setting the stage for his firsthand account of her life and deeds, as translated from the original French manuscript.
Chapter 7
Book I: In Domremy
The narrator, Louis de Conte, introduces himself as the page and secretary of Joan of Arc. He recounts his childhood in the village of Domremy, where he grew up alongside Joan. The chapter establishes Joan's early piety, her simple village life, and the first hints of her divine mission as she begins to hear voices.
Chapter 8
When Wolves Ran Free in Paris
The Sieur Louis de Conte introduces himself and recounts his early life, including his family's flight from Paris due to Burgundian persecution, the horrors of civil war and English occupation, and his eventual relocation to Domremy. He describes the brutal state of France—plague, famine, and wolves roaming Paris—and his adoption by the priest Guillaume Fronte. He also introduces the village of Domremy, Joan of Arc's family, and his childhood playmates, establishing the patriotic Armagnac sentiment and simple piety of the community.
Chapter 9
The Fairy Tree of Domremy
Louis de Conte recounts a childhood episode where Joan of Arc confronts Père Guillaume Fronte about the banishment of the fairies from the Fairy Tree. Joan argues passionately that the fairies had rights given by God and were unjustly driven away, leading Père Fronte to acknowledge his fault. The chapter highlights Joan's fierce sense of justice and compassion, even for creatures considered kin to the Fiend.
Chapter 10
All Aflame with Love of France
Louis de Conte recalls a winter night in Domremy where a ragged stranger, a veteran soldier, arrives at Jacques d'Arc's home. Joan offers him her bowl of porridge despite her father's objections, arguing that his stomach is innocent of any wrongdoing. The stranger then captivates the company with tales of French glory and sings the Song of Roland, inspiring intense patriotism and love for France in all present, especially Joan.
Chapter 11
Joan Tames the Mad Man
The children of Domremy learn of the Treaty of Troyes, which betrays France to the English. Joan's bravery is demonstrated when she calmly subdues a madman wielding an axe, earning her the nickname 'the Brave.' The chapter contrasts the children's patriotic outrage with Joan's quiet, selfless courage.
Chapter 12
Domremy Pillaged and Burned
The village of Domremy is raided and partially destroyed, bringing the horrors of war home to its inhabitants for the first time. Joan demonstrates her cool-headed leadership during the panic, and later the villagers discuss the injustice of taxes and the need for the King to act. The chapter also features youthful debates about the French generals and the Paladin's boastful claims, ending with Joan's quiet prophecy that Pierre d'Arc will go to the wars sooner than expected.
Chapter 13
Joan and Archangel Michael
Louis de Conte describes Joan's transformation from a lighthearted village girl to a grave, contemplative young woman burdened by France's plight. He confronts her with the hopelessness of France's situation, but Joan expresses unwavering faith that France will be liberated. Louis witnesses Joan receiving a vision from Archangel Michael, a divine encounter that confirms her secret mission.
Chapter 14
VII: She Delivers the Divine Command
Joan of Arc, accompanied by her uncle Laxart, delivers her divine command to Robert de Baudricourt, governor of Vaucouleurs, requesting an escort to the Dauphin so she may lead the French army and drive the English out of France. Despite being mocked and dismissed, Joan remains resolute, later revealing to Louis de Conte the full extent of her mission as ordained by her Voices.
Chapter 15
Why the Scorners Relented
After Joan's failed attempt to rally support, the village turns against her with scorn and ridicule. Only Haumette, Little Mengette, and Louis de Conte stand by her. Her father is furious and threatens to drown her rather than see her go to war. Despite the hostility, Joan remains steadfast. The Paladin falsely claims she is engaged to him, leading to a trial in Toul where Joan defends herself and wins, earning the court's praise. The village then relents, and her family reconciles with her. However, Joan must wait for her Voices' command as the siege of Orleans begins.
Chapter 16
Book II: In Court and Camp
Joan arrives at the court of Charles VII, where she meets the Dauphin and begins to take command of the French army, demonstrating her divine mission and leadership.
Chapter 17
Joan Says Goodbye
On January 5, 1429, Joan tells Louis de Conte and her uncle Laxart that her Voices have commanded her to go to the Dauphin. Laxart, having witnessed her courage before nobles, now believes she is sent by God. Joan arranges to leave Domremy with her uncle, planning to go to Vaucouleurs. She identifies Jean de Metz and Bertrand de Poulengy as future supporters, despite their initial doubts. She instructs Louis to follow her soon and says a tearful goodbye to Mengette and Haumette, knowing she will never see her home again.
Chapter 18
The Governor Speeds Joan
Joan returns to Vaucouleurs with Laxart and stays with Catherine Royer. Her mission becomes widely known, and common people flock to her, believing she is sent by God to save France. A prophecy of Merlin is recalled, fueling hope. Joan's brothers bring their parents' blessing. She repeatedly confronts Governor Robert de Baudricourt, who initially refuses to send her to the King. The Sieur Jean de Metz and the Sieur Bertrand de Poulengy pledge their support. Baudricourt eventually tests Joan by bringing a priest to exorcise her, but finds no devil. Joan predicts a battle lost near Orleans on that very day, and when the news confirms it, Baudricourt gives her a letter and sends her off with men-at-arms. They depart secretly at night.
Chapter 19
The Paladin Groans and Boasts
The chapter describes the journey of Joan and her escort through enemy territory. The narrator, Louis de Conte, wakes to find the Paladin, who boasts of his bravery and criticizes Noël Rainguesson for cowardice. The Paladin's claims are contradicted by the reality that he and Noël were forcibly conscripted. Joan's prophecy that they would join at the eleventh hour is partially fulfilled.
Chapter 20
Joan Leads Us Through the Enemy
Joan inspects her troops, forbids profanity, and drills the novices. The company endures three night marches of twelve to thirteen leagues each, fording icy streams and sleeping wet. Over the next five nights, they are ambushed seven times, losing two novices and three veterans. Some men, suspicious of Joan's endurance, plot to kill her, believing her a witch. Joan confronts them, prophesies the ringleader's death, and the plot ends when he drowns. On the final night, Joan impersonates a captain to deceive an enemy officer, leading the company safely across a bridge and into friendly territory.
Chapter 21
We Pierce the Last Ambuscades
Joan and her company rest at Gien and Fierbois, where she dictates a letter to the King. The Paladin's cowardice is mocked by Noël. Joan refuses to deliver her message to the King's bishops, insisting on speaking to the Dauphin alone. The group faces a final ambush, likely set by de la Tremouille, and learns of courtly obstruction from the Sieur de Metz.
Chapter 22
VI: Joan Convinces the King
Joan convinces King Charles VII of her divine mission by revealing his secret prayer, proving her Voices are from God. Despite the King's belief, his council delays action by sending priests to investigate Joan's past. Eventually, Joan is granted an audience, where she identifies the disguised Dauphin and wins his trust.
Chapter 23
Our Paladin in His Glory
The chapter focuses on the Paladin's growing fame and storytelling prowess in the village near Courdray Castle. While the others endure tedious waits, the Paladin thrives, thanks to his flamboyant second-hand Spanish cavalier's costume and his extraordinary gift for embellishing tales. He captivates the locals at the inn with ever-expanding accounts of the Royal Audience, where he claims to have played a heroic role, including unmasking a false king and receiving a signet ring from Charles VII. His sincerity makes his lies believable, and his performances become a nightly sensation.
Chapter 24
VIII: Joan Persuades Her Inquisitors
Joan convinces the King by revealing a secret known only to him and God, but Tremouille and the Archbishop of Rheims sow doubt by suggesting Satan could have revealed it. The King appoints a commission of bishops to investigate Joan, but she answers only what suits her. The Duke of Alençon, recently released from English captivity, meets Joan and becomes her supporter. Joan's frank and honest conversation charms the King. The bishops, unable to decide, refer the case to the University of Poitiers. At Poitiers, Joan faces rigorous questioning but defends herself brilliantly, including a famous exchange with Brother Séguin. She argues that God helps those who help themselves, and that the Book of God surpasses all human learning. Nightly, she wins over the scholars and ladies of the city with her mysterious charm. The commission ultimately declares her a good Christian and that the King may accept her aid, delivering a unanimous verdict in her favor.
Chapter 25
She Is Made General-in-Chief
Joan is appointed General-in-Chief of the Armies of France by King Charles VII, with the Duke of Alençon as her lieutenant. The chapter describes the public proclamation, the joy of the people, and the rapid rise of Joan from a peasant girl to the commander of the French army.
Chapter 26
The Maid's Sword and Banner
Joan dictates a letter to the English commanders at Orleans, appoints La Hire to manage recruiting at Blois, and receives d'Aulon as chief of her household. She obtains a legendary sword from Fierbois and designs her standard and pennon. Amidst the bustle of preparation at Tours, Joan appoints her old friends—including Louis, Noël, and the Paladin—to positions in her household, transforming the Paladin from a braggart into a devoted banner-bearer.
Chapter 27
The War March Is Begun
Noël and Louis discuss Joan's appointment of the Paladin as Standard-Bearer, reflecting on her 'seeing eye' and her choice of La Hire to command the unruly recruits at Blois. The chapter concludes with the army's departure from Chinon, a grand procession marking the beginning of Joan's war march.
Chapter 28
Joan Puts Heart in Her Army
Joan and her army spend three days at Blois, where she reforms the camp by expelling loose women, imposing discipline, and requiring daily Mass. She wins over the rough veteran La Hire, who reluctantly agrees to attend services and even prays. The army transforms from a disorderly mob into a devoted, orderly force inspired by Joan's presence.
Chapter 29
Checked by the Folly of the Wise
Joan of Arc marches with her army toward Orleans, but her generals deceive her by taking a longer route on the south bank of the Loire, contrary to her plan to attack directly. She confronts Dunois, the Bastard of Orleans, and rebukes him for the trick. Despite the setback, her arrival inspires the city, and a change of wind allows provisions to reach Orleans by boat.
Chapter 30
What the English Answered
Joan awaits an army and inquires about her earlier proclamation to the English. She dictates a bold letter demanding the English surrender and leave France, warning them of divine retribution. The English refuse, threatening to burn her. She proposes a single combat challenge to Lord Talbot, which is also refused. She then sends Dunois to Blois to secure the army against the King's officials who are trying to disband it.
Chapter 31
My Exquisite Poem Goes to Smash
Louis de Conte describes the social life in Orleans while waiting for the army's return. He and his fellow villagers, now part of Joan's staff, enjoy high society. The Paladin captivates everyone, especially Catherine Boucher, with his exaggerated war stories, causing jealousy among the other boys. Louis composes a poem titled 'The Rose of Orleans' to win Catherine's favor, but the Paladin's tales dominate the evenings.
Chapter 32
The Finding of the Dwarf
Joan pardons a deserter condemned to death, a giant of a man who had left the army to be with his dying wife. She cuts his bonds, bandages his wounds, and learns his story. Moved by his devotion, she gives him a new purpose: to serve France. The man, called the Dwarf, pledges his life to her, seeing Joan as France incarnate. He becomes her loyal man-at-arms, and the chapter reflects on his unwavering faith and the symbolic embodiment of the nation in Joan.
Chapter 33
Sweet Fruit of Bitter Truth
After returning from the army, the minor fry have breakfast with the Boucher family. The Paladin boasts about the army's condition, but Noël and others tease him. Louis de Conte admits to being frightened by a donkey's bray, which leads to a discussion about fear and courage. Catherine Boucher then challenges the group to confront the family ghost, and all reluctantly agree.
Chapter 34
Joan's First Battlefield
Joan leads a spontaneous charge against the English fortress of St. Loup, experiencing her first real battle. Despite initial setbacks, her presence inspires the French to victory. After the triumph, she is found weeping among the dead, moved by compassion for the fallen. She also protects captured priests, asserting her mercy.
Chapter 35
We Burst in Upon Ghosts
After resting from battle, the group reluctantly investigates a haunted room in Catherine Boucher's house. They hear mysterious sounds from a sealed dungeon, break through the wall, and find only a rusty sword and a rotten fan, leaving the mystery unsolved.
Chapter 36
Joan Makes Cowards Brave Victors
Joan confronts the council of generals on the feast of the Ascension, exposing their secret plan to feign an attack on a minor bastille while hiding their true objective of crossing the river to take the bridge forts. She insists on an immediate offensive, declaring the English will be gone in three days. Despite initial panic among the French troops, Joan rallies them with her banner and leads a successful assault on the bastille of the Augustins, burning it to prevent pillage. She then returns to the city to rest and prepare for the next day's attack on the Tourelles.
Chapter 37
She Gently Reproves Her Dear Friend
Joan reveals to Catherine Boucher that she knows she will be wounded in battle the next day, as her Voices have told her. Catherine tries to persuade her to stay, but Joan gently reproves her by showing the absurdity of avoiding duty out of fear. The chapter also includes Joan dictating a letter to her mother and receiving news of the council's cowardly decision to withdraw, which she firmly overrules.
Chapter 38
XXII: The Fate of France Decided
Joan, wounded at the Tourelles, rallies her troops and leads a final assault that captures the fortress, raises the siege of Orleans, and fulfills her promise. The city erupts in celebration, and Joan retires to rest, her glory secured.
Chapter 39
XXIII: Joan Inspires the Tawdry King
After the English evacuation of Orleans, Joan and her generals travel to Tours to report to King Charles VII. The King, dressed in extravagant and frivolous attire, receives Joan with unexpected grace and offers her a reward. Joan refuses personal gain, pleading only that he march to Rheims for his coronation. She reveals she has only a year to live, moving the King to ennoble her and her family with the surname 'du Lis.' Joan, however, prefers to remain simply Joan of Arc.
Chapter 40
XXIV: Tinsel Trappings of Nobility
The chapter describes the town and country's excitement over Joan of Arc being ennobled by the King. While Joan remains indifferent, her brothers Jean and Pierre are proud of their new coats-of-arms. The Paladin and Noël Rainguesson debate the social implications of the brothers' new rank, with the Sieur de Metz explaining that the d'Arc brothers now take precedence over most of the personal staff in civil functions due to the royal lilies on their escutcheon.
Chapter 41
At Last—Forward!
Joan of Arc rallies a new army after the French forces had dispersed due to lack of pay and food. She pleads with the King to march to Rheims for his coronation, overcomes council objections, and raises eight thousand veteran soldiers in a short time. The chapter culminates in her triumphant entry into Orleans, where she is reunited with the Boucher family.
Chapter 42
XXVI: The Last Doubts Scattered
The King's command to obey the Maid is finally followed, solidifying Joan's reputation as a commander. A council of war debates her bold assault strategy against Jargeau, with La Hire passionately defending her revolutionary tactics. Joan reassures them of victory through divine guidance, and the chapter ends with a contrast between a joyful farewell supper and the grim preparations for battle.
Chapter 43
How Joan Took Jargeau
Joan leads the French army in the assault on Jargeau, demonstrating her strategic brilliance and personal courage. After a fierce artillery duel and scaling the walls under heavy fire, she is wounded but rallies her troops to victory. The English garrison surrenders, with the Earl of Suffolk yielding only to Joan. The chapter highlights Joan's merciful nature, her motto of hard work, and the triumph that further cements her reputation.
Chapter 44
Joan Foretells Her Doom
In a private room, Catherine Boucher visits Joan and expresses concern over the dangers Joan faces in battle, urging her to take fewer risks. Joan deflects the request for a promise, then falls into a trance-like state, prophesying that within four days France will achieve a great victory and that she herself will die a cruel death within two years. Louis de Conte, witnessing this, lies to cover up the prophecy, claiming Joan was dreaming, and distracts her with a false letter about the destruction of the Fairy Tree.
Chapter 45
Fierce Talbot Reconsiders
Joan demonstrates strategic brilliance and statesmanship as she orchestrates the capture of Beaugency and plans to confront Talbot. She persuades d'Alençon to accept Richemont's aid, predicts a decisive victory, and reveals her foreknowledge of her own death through the vision of the Tree.
Chapter 46
XXX: The Red Field of Patay
On June 18, 1429, the French army under Joan of Arc pursues the English through the plains of La Beauce. After a deer startles the English into revealing their position, Joan masterfully commands her forces, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. La Hire's cavalry breaks Fastolfe's corps, causing a panic that leads to a decisive French victory at Patay. Joan prophesies that English power in France will not recover for a thousand years. After the battle, she tenderly comforts a dying English prisoner, showing her compassion.
Chapter 47
France Begins to Live Again
The chapter reflects on the transformative impact of the Battle of Patay, arguing that it was the single most decisive battle of the Hundred Years' War, instantly shifting France from a deathly state to convalescence. It contrasts the long, grinding devastation of the war—highlighting Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt—with the swift, miraculous campaign led by Joan of Arc, who in seven weeks crippled the ninety-one-year conflict. The narrative emphasizes the scale of suffering and the unprecedented nature of France's revival through one battle.
Chapter 48
The Joyous News Flies Fast
The news of the victory at Patay spreads rapidly across France, igniting widespread joy and rebellion against English rule. Towns rise up, fortresses are abandoned, and the army returns to Orleans to a frenzied celebration. Joan of Arc is hailed as the Savior of France, and the captured Lord Talbot is protected by Joan from the vengeful crowd.
Chapter 49
Joan's Five Great Deeds
This chapter enumerates and analyzes Joan of Arc's five greatest achievements: the Raising of the Siege of Orleans, the Victory of Patay, the Reconciliation at Sully-sur-Loire between the Constable Richemont and King Charles, the Coronation of Charles VII at Rheims, and the Bloodless March from Gien to the gates of Paris. The narrative emphasizes the strategic importance of each deed, particularly the Coronation as a masterstroke of political and popular psychology, and highlights Joan's unique insight as a peasant into the power of the people and the parish priests. It also credits Richemont as the one who ultimately completed Joan's work by clearing the English from France.
Chapter 50
The Jests of the Burgundians
The chapter describes the march to Rheims for the coronation of Charles VII, the swift surrender of Troyes after Joan's determined leadership, and a tense incident where Burgundian soldiers attempt to carry off French prisoners as 'goods' under treaty terms. Joan intervenes to secure the prisoners' release, while the Dwarf kills a Burgundian who insults the Maid.
Chapter 51
XXXV: The Heir of France Is Crowned
Joan and the army march triumphantly to Rheims, where Charles VII is crowned in a grand ceremony. Joan reflects on her mission nearing completion, and the King grants Domremy a permanent tax exemption. The chapter highlights the adoration of the people and the solemn farewell between Joan and her soldiers.
Chapter 52
Joan Hears News from Home
After the coronation of Charles VII, Joan is reunited with her father Jacques d'Arc and her uncle Laxart, who have come to Rheims. The King honors them, but Joan expresses her desire to return home to her peaceful village life, believing her divine mission is complete. Her father and uncle struggle to understand her wish to leave the glory of war, and they share news from home, including her mother's constant worry. Joan reaffirms her loyalty to the King but longs for peace.
Chapter 53
Again to Arms
Joan's father Jacques d'Arc and Uncle Laxart visit her, bringing gifts from home. Jacques confesses his earlier fear that Joan's military success would turn her head and asks for forgiveness. The family shares a tender moment, and Laxart describes how the village has honored Joan by naming children and animals after her. A messenger arrives from the King requesting Joan to remain as commander and attend a war council, ending her hopes of returning home.
Chapter 54
The King Cries “Forward!”
In a council of war, Joan of Arc confronts the King's ministers, denouncing their delaying tactics and secret negotiations with the Duke of Burgundy as cowardice and treachery. She passionately argues for an immediate march on Paris, winning the King's support as he symbolically surrenders his sword to her.
Chapter 55
We Win, but the King Balks
After a tremendous day of excitement and fatigue, Joan dictates a summons to the Duke of Burgundy late into the night, urging peace or a crusade against the Saracens. The next morning, she bids farewell to her father and uncle, who ride home with the news of tax remission. The army advances, but the King, influenced by Tremouille, delays and prays at St. Marcoul, wasting precious time that Bedford uses to regroup. Joan argues and implores, but the King balks, hindering the campaign against Paris.
Chapter 56
XL: Treachery Conquers Joan
Joan's attempt to take Paris is thwarted not by the English but by the treachery of the French court, led by La Tremouille. After being wounded by a crossbow bolt, she is forced to abandon the assault when King Charles forbids further attacks and breaks a bridge built for a new assault. The King makes a truce with Burgundy, ending the campaign, and Joan is compelled to leave St. Denis against her will, her Voices having commanded her to stay. The chapter marks the first major victory of treachery over Joan's military genius.
Chapter 57
XLI: The Maid Will March No More
After the King's decision to halt the advance on Paris, Joan spends months in idleness at court, planning unrealizable military campaigns. She is allowed occasional sorties, including a successful assault at Saint-Pierre-le-Moutier and a raid near Lagny. In late May 1430, she leads a sortie from Compiègne against Burgundian and English forces. Despite initial success, a panic causes her troops to rout. Joan is captured after a desperate fight, and the news plunges France into mourning.
Chapter 58
Book III: Trial and Martyrdom
Joan of Arc is captured, subjected to a corrupt ecclesiastical trial, forced to abjure under threat of execution, and ultimately martyred at the stake. The chapter details the legal machinations, betrayals, and final acts of courage that define her tragic end.
Chapter 59
The Maid in Chains
Louis de Conte recounts the shameful period following Joan's capture, detailing how France and King Charles VII failed to ransom her while the English, using the Church as a disguise, negotiated her purchase. Joan was imprisoned, attempted escape twice, and was ultimately sold to the English for a royal prince's ransom. She was taken to Rouen, chained in a dungeon, and the trial was orchestrated by the infamous Pierre Cauchon.
Chapter 60
Joan Sold to the English
Louis de Conte recovers from his wounds and reunites with Noël Rainguesson, who escaped from captivity. They learn of the Paladin's heroic death and the theft of Joan's sacred standard. The chapter culminates in the devastating news that Joan has been sold to the English, shattering their hopes of ransom. Grief-stricken, Louis and Noël journey to Rouen in peasant disguise to be near her, finding lodging with sympathetic French families.
Chapter 61
III: Weaving the Net About Her
Louis de Conte becomes a clerk to Manchon, the recorder for Joan's upcoming trial, and describes the corrupt preparations by Pierre Cauchon. Cauchon packs the court with English sympathizers, suppresses favorable evidence, denies Joan counsel, and uses the treacherous Nicolas Loyseleur to extract her secrets under the guise of confession. Joan remains defiant in her iron cage, despite visits from her captors.
Chapter 62
All Ready to Condemn
Louis de Conte describes the eve and morning of Joan's trial. He witnesses the preparations, the hostile crowd, and the intimidating court led by Bishop Cauchon. As Joan is brought in chains, Louis's hope collapses, contrasting her past triumphs with her present captivity.
Chapter 63
Fifty Experts Against a Novice
The Great Trial begins with fifty experts interrogating Joan, who remains composed and defiant. She refuses an unmodified oath, insists on her right to silence regarding her divine revelations, and eventually takes a limited oath. The chapter highlights her courage, the hostility of the court, and the emotional impact on her supporters.
Chapter 64
The Maid Baffles Her Persecutors
Joan faces her second day of trial, remaining composed and defiant against the relentless questioning of Bishop Cauchon and the theologian Beaupere. Despite traps and attempts to twist her words, she outmaneuvers her accusers with wisdom and memory, refusing to be caught. The chapter highlights the cruelty of the proceedings and Joan's extraordinary resilience, with later testimony from the Tribunal of Rehabilitation affirming her brilliance.
Chapter 65
Craft That Was in Vain
The third meeting of Joan's trial continues as Bishop Cauchon demands she swear to tell the whole truth. Joan resists, asserting her divine mission and refusing to swear beyond what she has already promised. The examination shifts to her Voices, her religious practices, and her childhood memories. A trap is set when Joan says 'Without the Grace of God I could do nothing,' leading to the question of whether she is in a state of Grace. Joan's humble and wise answer—praying for Grace if she lacks it and to be kept in it if she has it—defeats the snare, stunning the court.
Chapter 66
Joan Tells of Her Visions
In this chapter, the court resumes its examination of Joan, focusing on her visions and voices. Bishop Cauchon attempts to force Joan to take an unqualified oath, but she resists. Joan describes her visions of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Marguerite, and defends her male attire as commanded by God. She also discusses the miraculous sword of Fierbois and her banner, which she loves more than her sword. Despite the court's attempts to trap her, Joan remains steadfast and consistent.
Chapter 67
Her Sure Deliverance Foretold
In this chapter, Louis de Conte reflects on Joan's prophecy of her deliverance from prison, interpreting it as a belief in an ordinary death that would free her spirit. The trial continues with Joan refusing to reveal the sign given to the King, and she boldly predicts a disaster for the English within seven years and the loss of all France. Her prophecy is recorded and later verified, while she hints at her liberation within three months, which Louis and Noël misinterpret as a rescue, though it ultimately leads to her martyrdom.
Chapter 68
X: The Inquisitors at Their Wits’ End
The court resumes its session on March 3, frustrated by Joan's steadfastness. Despite their legal expertise and packed jury, they cannot break her. They question her about her apparitions, male attire, banner, and the honors she received, hoping to find grounds for condemnation. Joan remains composed, answering with dignity and fire, even when confronted with accusations of blasphemy and suicide. The session is stormy, with multiple inquisitors shouting at once, but Joan holds her ground.
Chapter 69
The Court Reorganized for Assassination
Cauchon restructures the trial to ensure Joan's conviction, dismissing sympathetic judges and holding secret sessions. Joan appears weakened but defends herself with courage and wisdom, revealing partial details about her visions while maintaining her faith and composure under relentless questioning.
Chapter 70
Joan's Masterstroke Diverted
The chapter details the ongoing trial where Joan faces accusations from a corrupt ecclesiastical court. The judges twist her past actions, including the marriage case at Toul, to portray her as a relapsed sinner. Joan defends herself, explaining her reasons for wearing male attire and her plans to rescue the Duke of Orleans. She speaks of her Voices' promise of deliverance through a great victory and her acceptance of martyrdom. The court attempts to trap her into submitting her mission to the Church's judgment, but she skillfully distinguishes between her obedience as a Christian and the divine origin of her mission.
Chapter 71
XIII: The Third Trial Fails
The third trial against Joan begins, with Bishop Cauchon and his court presenting a new set of sixty-six charges. Joan defends herself with courage and simplicity, refusing to accept counsel from her accusers and denying the distorted accusations. The chapter highlights the unfairness of the proceedings and Joan's steadfast faith.
Chapter 72
Joan Struggles with Her Twelve Lies
In early April, Joan falls ill in prison. Cauchon exploits her weakened state, presenting the 'Twelve Lies' indictment. Despite pressure, threats of abandonment by the Church, and denial of the Sacraments, Joan remains steadfast, refusing to submit to Cauchon's tribunal. Warwick and English authorities fear her natural death might create a martyr, while Joan's unwavering fidelity to her mission and her Voices defines her response.
Chapter 73
Undaunted by Threat of Burning
On May 2, after a two-week respite, Joan faces a new trial session where an orator attempts to persuade her using a compressed version of the Twelve Articles. Joan remains defiant, refusing to submit to the Church's authority over her divine mission and boldly declaring she would not recant even if the fire were before her. Her 'superb answer' inspires both friends and foes, and she skillfully avoids all traps set by her judges.
Chapter 74
XVI: Joan Stands Defiant Before the Rack
Joan is brought before the torture chamber, where Bishop Cauchon threatens her with the rack to force a confession. She responds with a defiant and wise statement that torture cannot produce truth, stunning the judges. Cauchon's push for torture is ultimately voted down by most of the tribunal, leading to public mockery of the Bishop. The chapter highlights Joan's unbreakable spirit and the moral cowardice of her accusers.
Chapter 75
Supreme in Direst Peril
Louis de Conte reflects on a ten-day wait while the University of Paris deliberates the 'Twelve Lies' against Joan. He contrasts his own freedom and companionship with Joan's solitary imprisonment in a steel cage, deprived of light, sound, and human contact. Despite these horrors, Joan emerges weekly to face France's greatest intellects alone, displaying unmatched courage, wisdom, and faith. The chapter extols her greatness not only in battle but supremely in the Rouen trials, where she triumphed over despair and treachery without hope or support.
Chapter 76
Condemned Yet Unafraid
The University of Paris delivers its verdict on Joan, finding her guilty on all counts and declaring her voices to be those of devils (Belial, Satan, Behemoth). Despite a final admonition by Pierre Maurice, Joan remains steadfast, refusing to recant even under threat of fire. The court adjourns, and sentence is pronounced for the next day, marking a grim anniversary of her past military triumph.
Chapter 77
Our Last Hopes of Rescue Fail
Joan has been condemned for heresy and sorcery, and Cauchon devises a scheme to force her to publicly abjure and then be executed, using exhaustion, fear of fire, and deceit. Louis de Conte and Noël Rainguesson, hoping for a rescue based on Joan's prophetic Voices, watch crowds at the city gate but find no familiar faces. They witness preparations for the stake at St. Ouen and later mistakenly believe a group of monks might be Joan's old comrades in disguise, only to be disappointed.
Chapter 78
The Betrayal
Joan, exhausted and pale, faces her trial in Rouen. Despite her spirited defense and appeal to the Pope, she is manipulated into signing an abjuration she does not understand, only to be betrayed by Cauchon and sentenced to perpetual imprisonment instead of the promised freedom.
Chapter 79
Respited Only for Torture
After Joan's abjuration, Cauchon and the English are furious that she escaped the stake. The crowd erupts in rage, accusing Cauchon of treachery, but he secretly plans to force her relapse. Joan, exhausted and dazed, is made to resume woman's dress and warned against relapsing, while her guards intensify her suffering. Louis and the Paladin, unaware of the plot, rejoice in her apparent reprieve.
Chapter 80
Joan Gives the Fatal Answer
Joan relapses by resuming male attire after guards steal her female clothing. She reaffirms her Voices and mission, leading to her condemnation. Cauchon and the English celebrate, while Louis and Manchon despair.
Chapter 81
XXIII: The Time Is at Hand
Joan is condemned as a relapsed heretic and sentenced to death by fire. Louis de Conte writes her final dictated letter to her mother, conveying her love and the vision of the Tree. Joan prepares for martyrdom, finding peace through her faith, while her followers struggle with despair and hope for a last-minute rescue that never comes.
Chapter 82
XXIV: Joan the Martyr
Joan of Arc is led to the stake in Rouen, where she is executed as a heretic. Despite the betrayal by King Charles VII and the treachery of figures like Cauchon and Loyseleur, Joan remains forgiving and prays for her king and her enemies. She is given a makeshift cross by an English soldier and a consecrated one by Friar Isambard, and dies with her faith unshaken, her final words a prayer for France.
Chapter 83
Conclusion
The conclusion recounts the fates of Joan's family and companions after her martyrdom, including the deaths of her father and brother Jacques, the pension granted to her mother, and the eventual Rehabilitation of Joan's name. Louis de Conte reflects on the loyalty of Joan's staff, the final battles of the war, and the enduring legacy of Joan as the embodiment of patriotism.
Chapter 84
Endnotes
The translator's endnotes provide historical commentary on various aspects of Joan of Arc's story, including the origin of La Hire's prayer, the annual celebration of Joan's entry into Orleans, the testimony of Louis de Conte in the Rehabilitation proceedings, the fate of the grace promised to Domremy, the destruction of Joan's relics during the French Revolution, the accuracy of the Great Trial account, the difficulty of translating Joan's poignant words, and the state of a historical building.
