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: 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==