Andrew Macphail, comp. The Book of Sorrow. 1916.
From ‘Fair Helen of Kirconnell’Anonymous (17th Century)
[See full text.]
I
Night and day on me she cries;
O that I were where Helen lies,
On fair Kirconnell lea!…
I’ll mak a garland o’ thy hair,
Shall bind my heart for evermair,
Until the day I die!
Night and day on me she cries;
Out of my bed she bids me rise,
Says, ‘Haste, and come to me!’—
If I were with thee, I’d be blest,
Where thou lies low and taks thy rest,
On fair Kirconnell lea.
A winding-sheet drawn owre my e’en,
And I in Helen’s arms lying,
On fair Kirconnell lea.
Night and day on me she cries;
And I am weary of the skies,
For her sake that died for me.