Signum Dei
When René II., Duke of Lorraine, reconquers Nancy, Charles is forced to besiege the important town which serves as a connection between his lands in the North and in the South. After two winter months of siege and several losses due to skirmishes, cold, hunger and desertion, his army is hardly powerful enough to withstand the approach of René II. of Lorraine, who recruited 10’000 Swiss mercenaries for his cause. Some sources speak of a staff ratio of 1:4 to the disadvantage of the Duke of Burgundy, and yet he does not want to get away from the battle. He ignores all the advice of his half-brother Anthony, the Grand Bastard. He does not want to surrender to the so-called “child”, the only 26-year-old René II., and the hated Swiss.
The tradition says, that just before the battle, something strange occurred: When Charles wanted to put on his helmet, the golden ornamental lion, the symbol of Burgundy, broke off and fell down. «Signum Dei,» Charles muttered … «a sign from god» ...
His army is overrun and Charles himself gets killed on the run. His body is plundered and so badly mutilated that only two days later, on 7 January 1477, it can be identified by a few close followers ...
The Grand Bastard:
Two months of siege along these cold winter days
We’ve had many losses in many different ways
Our remaining men are freezing to their death
They won’t fight for you until their last breath
Please my lord, there’s still time for retreat
If we stand against them, it’s our turn to bleed
In this coming battle we will find our end
Please listen to my council
I’m your brother and your friend
Charles:
And I said no!
I do not know
What the future hold
I know, my destiny lies here
And I will fight!
By the first light
Even if you leave me all
I will stand tall
Signum Dei
The lion falls down - the symbol of Burgund
Signum Dei
His end is near - his fate is sealed now
Signum Dei
The end of the Burgundian house - the last chapter has begun
The Grand Bastard:
Our ranks are broken, the battle is lost
We have no chance, don’t fight at all cost
We have to retreat, they’re closing in
Please my lord, believe me, you cannot win
Charles:
I will act
As you advice
They have won this battle
But the war ain’t over yet
Ain’t over yet
The Grand Bastard:
I cannot believe that you are dead
Frozen in this icy bed
Why didn’t you, why didn’t you flee?
Why didn’t you listen to me?
Couldn’t you live with another retreat?
Couldn’t you live with another defeat?
Was it your wish, your wish to decease?
My beloved brother, may your soul rest in peace
Soul rest in peace
Signum Dei
The lion falls down - the symbol of Burgund
Signum Dei
His end is near - his fate is sealed now
Signum Dei
The end of the Burgundian house - the last chapter has begun