Wicked Women

Jeanne de Clisson: The Lioness of Brittany

A noblewoman born and raised
Of healthy French-bred stock
I married rather young for love
He fast became my rock

Olivier was like all men
Ambition outstripped smarts
And he was tried for treason
His capture pierced my heart

I tried in vain to set him free
The crown did rage and scold
I could not break those locks you see
The dungeons were patrolled

I did not stay to watch his head
Bounce across the stones
I had my sights on something grand
On toppling kings' thrones

I mounted up a mighty crew
And set sail on the seas
Painting all my ship hulls black
Doing as I pleased

My Revenge became my home
I tormented the coast
I wanted to make meals of rats
To watch king Phillip roast

My sons, they joined me at my side
We led a black heart fleet
Until the fateful day we sank
Soul-sore from our defeat

We floated in the choppy waves
Adrift for many days
And I was forced to watch one die
In slow and painful ways

Me and little Olivier
Were rescued by a friend
And taken to Morlaix to rest
To put my hate to end

And though the grief began to ebb
I would not leave the waves
I sailed for thirteen more long years
Then shortly met my grave

Now I suppose the lesson here
Should be to live life slow
But why do that when you can strike
The men a hearty blow 

A woman who lived life like me
Should pray and ask for grace
But I refuse to think my deeds
Were ever a disgrace