I.
Reading edition
HANDSOME NELL.
Tune.—“I am a man unmarried.”
[“This composition,” says Burns in his “Common-place Book,” “was the first of my performances, and done at an early period in life, when my heart glowed with honest, warm simplicity; unacquainted and uncorrupted with the ways of a wicked world. The subject of it was a young girl who really deserved all the praises I have bestowed on her.”]
I.
O once I lov’d a bonnie lass, Ay, and I love her still; And whilst that honour warms my breast, I’ll love my handsome Nell.
II.
As bonnie lasses I hae seen, And mony full as braw; But for a modest gracefu’ mien The like I never saw.
III.
A bonnie lass, I will confess, Is pleasant to the e’e, But without some better qualities She’s no a lass for me.
IV.
But Nelly’s looks are blithe and sweet, And what is best of a’, Her reputation is complete, And fair without a flaw.
V.
She dresses ay sae clean and neat, Both decent and genteel: And then there’s something in her gait Gars ony dress look weel.
VI.
A gaudy dress and gentle air May slightly touch the heart; But it’s innocence and modesty That polishes the dart.
VII.
’Tis this in Nelly pleases me, ’Tis this enchants my soul; For absolutely in my breast She reigns without control