78 BALLADS
As I went down the water side, None but my foe to be my guide, None but my foe to be my guide On fair Kirkconnell lea;
I lighted down my sword to draw, I hacked him in pieces sma', I hacked him in pieces sma' For her sake that died for me.
O Helen fair beyond compare ! I'll mak' a garland o' thy hair, Shall bind my heart for evermair, Until the day I dee !
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 ! '
Helen fair ! O Helen chaste ! If I were with thee I were blest, Where thou lies low and takes thy rest,
On fair Kirkconnell lea.
1 wish my grave were growing green, A winding-sheet drawn ower my e'en, And I in Helen's arms lying
On fair Kirkconnell lea.
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.
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