Standing Stones



In one of these lone Orkney Isles

There dwelled a maiden fair,

Her cheeks were red and her eyes were blue

She had yellow curling hair.



Which caught the eye and then the heart

Of one who never could be

A lover of so true a maid

Or fair a form as she.



Across that lake in Sandwick

Dwelled a youth she held most true,

And ever since her infancy

He had watched those eyes so blue.

The land runs out into the sea.

It's a narrower neck of land.

Where weird and grim the standing stones

In a circle there they stand.



One bonny moonlight Christmas Eve

They met at the sad place.

With heart of glee and the beams of love

Were shining on her face.



Her lover came and grasped her hand

And what loving words they said.

They talked of future's happy days

As through the stones they strayed.

They walked towards the Lover's Stone

And through it passed their hands.

They plighted there a constant troth.

Sealed by love's steadfast bands.



He kissed his maid and he then watched her

That lonely bridge go o'er,

For little, little did he think

He would see his darling more.

He turned his face toward his home,

That home he never did see.

And you shall have the story,

As it was told to me.

When a form upon him sprang

With dagger gleaming bright,

It pierced his heart; his dying screams

Disturbed the silent night.



The murderer was the one who wished

That maiden's heart to gain,

And unnoticed he had seen them part

And he swore he would give her pain.



This maid had nearly reached her home,

When she was startled by a cry,

And she turned to look around her

And her love was standing by.

His hand was pointing to the stars

And his eyes gazed at the light,

And with a smiling countenance

He vanished from her sight.



She gained her home, but well did she know

That her faithful love was dead,

She spoke to none, but she pined away,

Not a smile on her face was seen,

And with outstretched arms she went to meet him

In a brighter place.



@Scots @murder @love

Collected by Peter Kennedy in the Orkneys

Recorded on Folksongs of Britain Vol 7

filename[ STANSTON

SF

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