Take courage! Be thyself! The innocent Have their own proper language, and their look Is lightning to consume foul calumny. In noble scorn, arouse thyself--look up--Confound with shame this most unworthy doubt, Which wrongs thy sacred virtue. [_Johanna remains motionless. La Hire steps back. The general horror increases._ _Dunois_. What scares the people? What dismays the king? Oh, she is innocent! I pledge myself, I pledge for her my honour as a prince. Here do I throw my gauntlet down. Who dares To slander her with guilt? [_A violent peal of thunder is heard. All start back terrified._ _Thibaut_. God answers! God, Who thunders from above. Pronounce thyself, Child of perdition, guiltless, if thou dar'st-- [_A second peal of thunder is heard. The people fly on all sides._ _Burgundy_. God shield us! What an awful signal! _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_.