Coronation of Charles V
Charles V of France is being crowned in Reims Cathedral, a sacred and politically charged ceremony amidst the Hundred Years' War. The Archbishop of Reims places the crown upon Charles' head, symbolizi
Setting
Reims Cathedral, the grand Gothic nave filled with nobility, clergy, and commoners gathered for the coronation. The high vaulted ceilings soar above, with stained glass filtering morning light onto the stone floor. The choir area is prepared with a raised dais where the ceremony will take place, surrounded by intricately carved wooden screens.
Characters
Charles V of France
primary
A tall, slender man in his late twenties with sharp, angular features and piercing blue eyes. His dark brown hair is neatly trimmed, and his pale complexion contrasts with the rich fabrics of his ceremonial attire. His posture is erect, conveying both regal bearing and the weight of impending responsibility.
Archbishop of Reims
primary
A tall, gaunt man in his late 60s with a deeply lined face that speaks of both wisdom and austerity. His piercing blue eyes are framed by thin silver eyebrows, and his long fingers bear the ink stains of a scholar. A prominent aquiline nose dominates his face, giving him an air of authority.
Queen Jeanne
secondary
A graceful woman in her late twenties with delicate features, fair complexion, and dark brown hair neatly braided beneath her veil. Her posture exudes quiet dignity, with hands clasped demurely at her waist.
Royal Guard Captain
secondary
A grizzled veteran in his late 40s with a broad chest and weathered face marked by an old scar running from left temple to jawline. His steel-gray hair is cropped short beneath a bascinet helmet, and his piercing blue eyes constantly scan the crowd.
Nobleman
background
A middle-aged regional lord with a sharp, angular face framed by a neatly trimmed beard streaked with grey. His piercing blue eyes dart observantly across the scene, missing no detail. His posture suggests military training, though his hands bear the softness of nobility.
Choir Boy
background
A slender boy of about 12 years with delicate features, his fair complexion flushed with nervous anticipation. His light brown hair is neatly trimmed just above his shoulders, slightly tousled from adjusting his vestments. Large, expressive eyes dart about the cathedral, reflecting both awe and apprehension.
Dialog
Archbishop of Reims
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti... Charles, Dei gratia, accipe coronam regni Franciae, quam hodie tibi imponimus.
Charles V of France
Suscipe, Domine, hanc coronam quam porto in servitio tuo et populi tui. Sit mihi sapientia regendi, sicut Salomoni datum est.
Royal Guard Captain
Serrez les rangs près du dais! Que nul n'approche sans l'aveu du roi!
Archbishop of Reims
Ungo te oleo sanctificato, sicut uncti sunt Saul et David in reges super Israel.
Charles V of France
Si Deus pro nobis, quis contra nos? Cette couronne est un fardeau que je porterai pour la gloire de Dieu et le salut de mon peuple.
Royal Guard Captain
Les archers aux galeries! Surveillez les portails nord et sud!
Archbishop of Reims
Surge et ambula in via regia, carissime fili, ut regnum tuum sit firmum in manu Dei omnipotentis.