Where Helen Lies
written in 1788
Where Helen Lies - meaning Summary
Longing, Grief, and Vengeance
The speaker mourns Helen, a beloved woman killed on Kirkconnel lee, expressing desperate longing to be where she lies. He vows to keep a lock of her hair and curses the hand and gun that killed her. After describing her collapse in his arms, he recounts taking violent revenge by cutting the shooter to pieces. Grief and desire for union continue in death: he wishes to lie in Helen’s arms beneath a winding sheet and imagines night-and-day yearning for her grave. The poem mixes mourning, vengeance, and the wish for eternal togetherness.
Read Complete AnalysesO that I were where Helen lies, Night and day on me she cries; O that I were where Helen lies In fair Kirkconnel lee. O Helen fair beyond compare, A ringlet of thy flowing hair, I'll wear it still for ever mair Until the day I die. Curs'd be the hand that shot the shot, And curs'd the gun that gave the crack! Into my arms bird Helen lap, And died for sake o' me! O think na ye but my heart was sair; My Love fell down and spake nae mair; There did she swoon wi' meikle care On fair Kirkconnel lee. I lighted down, my sword did draw, I cutted him in pieces sma'; I cutted him in pieces sma'; On fair Kirkconnel lee. O Helen chaste, thou wert modest, If I were with thee I were blest Where thou lies low and takes thy rest On fair Kirkconnel lee. I wish my grave was growing green, A winding sheet put o'er my e'en, And I in Helen's arms lying In fair Kirkconnel lee! I wish I were where Helen lies! Night and day on me she cries: O that I were where Helen lies On fair Kirkconnel lee.
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