Robert Burns

Handsome Nell

Once I lov'd a bonnie lass, 

An' aye I love her still, 

An' whilst that virtue warms my breast, 

I'll love my handsome Nell. 

As bonnie lasses I hae seen, 

And mony full as braw; 

But for a modest gracefu' mein, 

The like I never saw. 

A bonny 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 compleat, 

And fair without a flaw; 

She dresses ay 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 controul.