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.