We had within our English ship But only three men slain, And five men hurt, the which I hope Will soon be well again. At Bristol we were landed, And let us praise God still, That thus hath blest our lusty hearts And our Angel Gabriel.
[XXXI]
HELEN OF KIRKCONNELL
I wish I were where Helen lies, Night and day on me she cries; O that I were where Helen lies, On fair Kirkconnell 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 succour me!
O thinkna ye my heart was sair When my love dropt down, and spak' nae mair? There did she swoon wi' meikle care, On fair Kirkconnell lea.
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 hackèd him in pieces sma', I hackèd 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!’
O 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.