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I
I WISH I were where Helen lies, | |
| Night and day on me she cries; | |
| O that I were where Helen lies, | |
| On fair Kirkconnell lea! | |
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II
Curst be the heart that thought the thought, | 5 |
| And curst the hand that fired the shot, | |
| When in my arms burd Helen dropt, | |
| And died to succour me! | |
| |
III
O think na ye my heart was sair, | |
| When my Love dropp’d and spak nae mair! | 10 |
| There did she swoon wi’ meikle care, | |
| On fair Kirkconnell lea. | |
| |
IV
As I went down the water side, | |
| None but my foe to be my guide, | |
| None but my foe to be my guide, | 15 |
| On fair Kirkconnell lea; | |
| |
V
I lighted down my sword to draw, | |
| I hackèd him in pieces sma’, | |
| I hackèd him in pieces sma’, | |
| For her sake that died for me. | 20 |
| |
VI
O Helen fair, beyond compare! | |
| I’ll mak a garland o’ thy hair, | |
| Shall bind my heart for evermair, | |
| Until the day I dee! | |
| |
VII
O that I were where Helen lies! | 25 |
| Night and day on me she cries; | |
| Out of my bed she bids me rise, | |
| Says, ‘Haste, and come to me!’ | |
| |
VIII
O Helen fair! O Helen chaste! | |
| If I were with thee, I’d be blest, | 30 |
| Where thou lies low and taks thy rest, | |
| On fair Kirkconnell lea. | |
| |
IX
I wish my grave were growing green, | |
| A winding-sheet drawn owre my een, | |
| And I in Helen’s arms lying, | 35 |
| On fair Kirkconnell lea. | |
| |
X
I wish I were where Helen lies! | |
| Night and day on me she cries; | |
| And I am weary of the skies, | |
| For her sake that died for me | 40 |
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