Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
| |
| 1. Song—Handsome Nell |
| | | | | Tune—“I am a man unmarried.” 1 |
| |
| |
| O 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, | 5 |
| 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; | 10 |
| 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, | 15 |
| 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. | 20 |
| |
| 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, | 25 |
| ’Tis this enchants my soul; | |
| For absolutely in my breast | |
| She reigns without control. | |
|
|
|
