- Source: Helen of Kirkconnel
"Helen of Kirkconnel" is a famous Scottish ballad.
History
It was published by Walter Scott in Volume 3 of Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. An early version was also published by John Mayne. It is also known as "Kirkconnel Lea" and "Fair Helen".
Here is one explanation of the story behind the ballad:
In the burial ground of Kirkconnell, near the Border, is the grave of Helen Irving, recognised by tradition as Fair Helen of Kirkconnell, and who is supposed to have lived in the sixteenth century. It is also the grave of her lover, Adam Fleming – a name that once predominated the district. Helen, according to the narration of Pennant (Pennant’s Tour in Scotland, 1772), “was beloved by two gentlemen at the same time. The one vowed to sacrifice the successful rival to his resentment, and watched an opportunity while the happy pair were sitting on the banks of the Kirtle, that washes these grounds. Helen perceived the desperate lover on the opposite side, and fondly thinking to save her favourite, interposed; and, receiving the wound intended for her beloved, fell and expired in his arms. He instantly avenged her death; then fled into Spain, and served for some time against the Infidels: on his return, he visited the grave of his unfortunate mistress, stretched himself on it, and expiring on the spot, was interred by her side. A cross and a sword are engraven on the tombstone, with 'HIC JACET ADAMUS FLEMING'; the only memorial of this unhappy gentleman, except an ancient ballad which records the tragical event.
It was published by Scott as "Fair Helen of Kirconnell". Nowadays most versions of the ballad use the current spelling of the town Kirkconnel.
A popular tune to which the ballad was sung became the basis for a hymn tune, "Martyrdom", adapted by Hugh Wilson of Duntocher around 1800. A later version of Wilson's tune by Robert A. Smith is used in numerous modern hymnals.
Text
This is the exact version published by Scott.
References
External links
Another explanation of the story behind the ballad
A link giving an alternative version
Fair Helen of Kirconnel. is a poetic response by Felicia Hemans in The Winter's Wreath annual for 1829.