1771-1779

  song—handsome nell 注释标题 the first of my performances.—r. b.

  tune—“i am a man unmarried.”

  once i lovd a bonie lass,

  ay, and i love her still;

  and whilst that virtue warms my breast,

  ill love my handsome nell.

  as bonie lasses i hae seen,

  and mony full as braw;

  but, for a mst gracefu mein,

  the like i never saw.

  a bonie lass, i will confess,

  is pleasant to the ee;

  but, without some better qualities,

  shes no a lass for me.

  but nellys looks are blythe and sweet,

  and what is best of a,

  her reputation isplete,

  and fair without a flaw.

  she dresses aye sae clean and neat,

  bothcent and genteel;

  and then theres something in her gait

  gars ony dress look weel.

  a gaudy dress and gentle air

  may slightly touch the heart;

  but its innocence and msty

  that polishes the dart.

  tis this in nelly pleases me,

  tis this enchants my soul;

  for absolutely in my breast

  she reigns without control.