Book of Old English Ballads, A

<p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"></SPAN></p> <h2> Helen of Kirkconnell </h2> <p>I wad I were where Helen lies;<br/> Night and day on me she cries;<br/> O that I were where Helen lies,<br/> On fair Kirkconnell lea!<br/> <br/> Curst be the heart that thought the thought,<br/> And curst the hand that fired the shot,<br/> When in my arms burd Helen dropt,<br/> And died to succour me!<br/> <br/> O think na but my heart was sair<br/> When my Love dropt and spak nae mair!<br/> I laid her down wi' meikle care,<br/> On fair Kirkconnell lea.<br/> <br/> As I went down the water side,<br/> Nane but my foe to be my guide,<br/> Nane but my foe to be my guide,<br/> On fair Kirkconnell lea.<br/> <br/> I lighted down my sword to draw,<br/> I hacked him in pieces sma',<br/> I hacked him in pieces sma',<br/> For her sake that died for me.<br/> <br/> O Helen fair, beyond compare!<br/> I'll make a garland of thy hair,<br/> Shall bind my heart for evermair,<br/> Until the day I dee!<br/> <br/> O that I were where Helen lies<br/> Night and day on me she cries;<br/> Out of my bed she bids me rise,<br/> Says, "Haste, and come to me!"<br/> <br/> O Helen fair! O Helen chaste!<br/> If I were with thee, I were blest,<br/> Where thou lies low and takes thy rest,<br/> On fair Kirkconnell lea.<br/> <br/> I wad my grave were growing green,<br/> A winding-sheet drawn ower my een,<br/> And I in Helen's arms lying,<br/> On fair Kirkconnell lea.<br/> <br/> I wad I were where Helen lies!<br/> Night and day on me she cries,<br/> And I am weary of the skies,<br/> Since my Love died for me.<br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />