Song—handsome nell（1/1）

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.