Explore "Handsome Nell" by Robert Burns on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
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.