Song—Handsome Nell

    1771-1779
    song—handsome nell 注释标题 the first of my performances.—r. b.
    tune—“i am a man unmarried.”
    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.