Poems And Songs Of Robert Burns: Song--Handsome Nell

Song--Handsome Nell

Song--Handsome Nell^1
     Tune--"I am a man unmarried."

     [Footnote 1: The first of my performances.--R. B.]
     Once I lov'd a bonie lass,
     Ay, and I love her still;
     And whilst that virtue warms my breast,
     I'll love my handsome Nell.
     As bonie lasses I hae seen,
     And mony full as braw;
     But, for a modest gracefu' mein,
     The like I never saw.
     A bonie lass, I will confess,
     Is pleasant to the e'e;
     But, without some better qualities,
     She's no a lass for me.
     But Nelly's looks are blythe and sweet,
     And what is best of a',
     Her reputation is complete,
     And fair without a flaw.
     She dresses aye sae clean and neat,
     Both decent and genteel;
     And then there's something in her gait
     Gars ony dress look weel.
     A gaudy dress and gentle air
     May slightly touch the heart;
     But it's innocence and modesty
     That polishes the dart.
     'Tis this in Nelly pleases me,
     'Tis this enchants my soul;
     For absolutely in my breast
     She reigns without control.

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