1771-1779
song—handsome nell 注释标题 the first of my performances.—r. b.
tune—“i am a man unmarried.”
once i lov'd a bonie lass,
ay, and i love her still;
and whilst that virtue warms my breast,
i'll love my handsome nell.
as bonie lasses i hae seen,
and mony full as braw;
but, for a modest gracefu' mein,
the like i never saw.
a bonie 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 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.