A collection of ancient and modern Scottish ballads, etc

243
FAIR HELEN.
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[The affecting incident on which this ballad is founded, is
thus related by Mr Pennant :—
"•' In the burying-ground of Kirkonnel is the grave of the
fair Ellen Irvine, and that of her lover : she was daughter
of the house of Kirkonnel," and was beloved by two
gentlemen at the same time j 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. Ellen
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 revenged her death;
then fled into Spain, and served for some time against
the Infidels : on his return he visited the grave of his
imfortunate mistress, stretched himself on it, and expir-
ing on the spot, was interred by her side. A sword and
a cross are engraven on the tomb-stone, with hie jacet
Adam Fleming,"— Tour in Scotlandf vol. ii. p. 101*
•