O, once I lov`d a bonnie lass,
Aye, and I love her still;
And 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` mien
The like I never saw.
A bonnie lass, I will confess,
Is pleasant to the ee,
But without some letter qualities
She`s no a lass for me.
But Nellie`s looks are blithe 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.