Robert Burns - Song—Handsome Nell^1 lyrics

Tune—"I am a man unmarried." Once I lov'd a bonie la**, Ay, and I love her still; And whilst that virtue warms my breast, I'll love my handsome Nell. As bonie la**es I hae seen, And mony full as braw; But, for a modest gracefu' mein, The like I never saw. A bonie la**, I will confess, Is pleasant to the e'e; But, without some better qualities, She's no a la** 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. [Footnote 1: The first of my performances.—R. B.]