Song—Handsome Nell^1
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 gaitGars ony dress look weel.
A gaudy dress and gentle airMay slightly touch the heart;But it’s innocence and modestyThat polishes the dart.
’Tis this in Nelly pleases me,’Tis this enchants my soul;For absolutely in my breastShe reigns without control.
The first of my performances.—R. B. ↩