Jeanne Hachette
| Albreda Ismeria |
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Jeanne Hachette
©2018 Mary Bertke Chorus Raise up your sword or bring the axe down Send soldier and standard to fall to the ground Freedom is worth all the struggle and sweat Step up to the battle like Jeanne Hachette. I was working high up the cathedral’s walls When a crow made me look with its squabbling caws I was watching the hills as the bird flapped and crowed When out of the west the Burgundians rode. King Louis and Charles, Duke Burgundy fought Over cities and towns that King Louis had bought Charles sent men out to pillage and slay They set up their tents and laid siege to Beauvais. It was June 27th, and spirits were low And the siege ladders spanning the moat down below The duke’s greater numbers were winning the day A soldier with a standard topped the walls of Beauvais A farm girl, just sixteen, named Jeanne Laisné Grabbed up a hatchet and entered the fray With vigor and will, cut the enemy down Sent soldier and standard to fall to the ground. The men cheered the girl, and their spirits soared high If she could do that, they’d more strength to try The townsfolk and guards rallied as the sun set They jumped into battle like Jeanne Hachette. The battle raged on, and the garrison strived Next morning the king’s reinforcements arrived So each June 27th we’ll march through the town, To remember the jeune fille that kept the siege down The king gave her gold and a man, and a fete For Jeanne Laisné fought, and became Jeanne Hachette – A hatchet, indeed, one that Charles would rue For her stroke cut Duke Burgundy’s triumph in two. A woman can make the determining blow But you can’t make a difference if you don’t go There’s strength in great numbers – although that is true Just one makes a difference, let that one be you. Final Chorus ending Lift up your voices for Jeanne Hachette. Fight for your sisters like Jeanne Hachette. |
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