Footnote 403
As more than one translator has pointed out, the handwriting in this
section of the text is particularly difficult
to decipher, and any possible interpretation is murky at best.
Previous translations have therefore varied by a wide margin.
My own transcription and translation is similar to that of Count Conrad de
Maleissye, who interpreted the second word as "lever" rather than
"leur" (which seems the most reasonable interpretation, based on the reproductions
of the letter which I've seen). The next portion is a mess, but seems
to read "cil yet" (presumably "c'il y est"). The rest of the phrase
is clear enough ("si brief que ce cera bien tost") and sounds enough
like Joan's speech as to inspire confidence.
My translation merely tries to convey what I believe to be the general
gist of the phrase, since a more literal translation would be
hopeless.
To see some of the other transcriptions and/or translations, see the
following:
Count Conrad de Maleissye-Melun's reproduction, transcription and explanation
(in note 8): "Les Lettres de Jehanne d'Arc"
pp. 99 - 100.
Quicherat's transcription and notes: "Procès de la Condamnation et de Réhabilitation de Jeanne d'Arc, dite la Pucelle"
Vol 5, p. 160.
Daniel Jacomet's transcription and facsimile: "Jehanne d'Arc: Quarante-cinq Documents Originaux et
Iconographiques Réunis par Daniel Jacomet" p 23, p 59.
Charles Roessler's translation: "L'armure et les lettres de Jeanne d'Arc"
p. 36.
Albert Paine's transcription, facsimile and translation: "Joan of Arc, Maid of France"
pp 22 - 23; plus the note at the top of p. 335.
Pernoud's transcription: "Jeanne d'Arc"
p. 386.
Jeremy Adams' translation of the above: "Joan of Arc: Her Story"
p. 83.