Volume II, song 155, page 163 - 'Where Helen Lies' - Scanned from the 1853 edition of the 'Scots Musical Museum', James Johnson and Robert Burns (Edinburgh and London: W. Blackwood & Sons, 1853)

Verse 1: 'O 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.' The 'Scots Musical Museum' is the most important of the numerous eighteenth- and nineteenth-century collections of Scottish song. When the engraver James Johnson started work on the second volume of his collection in 1787, he enlisted Robert Burns as contributor and editor. Burns enthusiastically collected songs from various sources, often expanding or revising them, whilst including much of his own work. The resulting combination of innovation and antiquarianism gives the work a feel of living tradition. This particular song was revised for inclusion in the 'Museum' by Robert Burns. It tells the tragic story of Helen Irvine who was killed protecting her lover, Adam Fleming. Helen intercepted a deadly shot aimed at Adam by a rival suitor. Broken-hearted, Fleming killed his adversary and swiftly fled to Spain. After many years, he returned to Kirkconnel and died by Helen's graveside - he was buried next to her. According to Robert Ridddell of Glenriddell, friend of Burns and commentator on the 'Museum', 'a tombstone marks their grave, upon it is cut a cross and sword with 'Hic jacet Adam Fleming''.

Collection

Scots Musical Museum

Inventory Number

4503351

Title

Volume II, song 155, page 163 - 'Where Helen Lies' - Scanned from the 1853 edition of the 'Scots Musical Museum', James Johnson and Robert Burns (Edinburgh and London: W. Blackwood & Sons, 1853)

Object Type

PhysicalObject

Measurements

- 130 x 211 mm