by Marci Vogel
[The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry manuscript of Christine de Pizan. BnF, fr. 1183, fol. NP]
The Song of Joan of Arc
1 ] Je Christine
enclosed because of treachery
I begin now to laugh
2 ] I will change my language
from weeping to singing
I have well endured my share
3 ] The sun brings back the good new
season I no longer grieve
I see what I desire
4 ] dry land green
5 ] The cast out child who suffered
rose as a crowned king
wearing spurs of gold
6 ] Let us celebrate
let us all go great & small—
may no one hold back praising
7 ] I won't omit anything
8 ] May it be of value to those
Fortune has beaten down
9 ] Fortune is always changing
in whom hope lives on
10 ] Who has seen
something extraordinary changed
from evil to great good
11 ] & truly through such a miracle
no one would believe it—
12 ] Divine proof never erred in faith
13 ] You who waged a great war
see how your renown is exalted
14 ] Your country you were losing you have
recovered it—
21 ] And you blessed Maid
you undid the rope
61 ] This poem was finished by Christine in the above-mentioned year 1429, on the day that
ends July. But I understand that some people will not be satisfied with its contents, for
if one's head is lowered and one's eyes are heavy one cannot look at the light.
Here ends a most beautiful poem written by Christine.
“The Tale of Joan of Arc" translated by Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski. The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan: Norton Critical Edition, ed. Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski and Kevin Brownlee (New York: Norton, 1997).
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