Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)

I WISH I were where Helen lies:

Night and day on me she cries;

O that I were where Helen lies

On fair Kirconnell lea!

Curst be the heart that thought the thought,

And curst the hand that fired the shot,

When in my arms burd Helen dropt,

And died to succor me!

O think na but my heart was sair

When my love dropt down and spake nae mair!

I laid her down wi’ meikle care

On fair Kirconnell lea;

As I went down to the water-side,

None but my foe to be my guide,

On fair Kirconnell lea;

I lighted doun my sword to draw,

I hackèd him in pieces sma’,

For her sake that died for me.

O Helen fair, beyond compare!

I’ll make a garland of thy hair

Shall bind my heart forevermair

Until the day I die.

O that I were where Helen lies!

Night and day on me she cries;

Out of my bed she bids me rise,

Says, ‘Haste and come to me!’

O Helen fair! O Helen chaste!

If I were with thee, I were blest,

Where thou lies low and takes thy rest

On fair Kirconnell lea.