I.

HANDSOME NELL.

Tune.--"_I am a man unmarried."_

["This composition," says Burns in his "Common-place Book," "was the first of my performances, and done at an early period in life, when my heart glowed with honest, warm simplicity; unacquainted and uncorrupted with the ways of a wicked world. The subject of it was a young girl who really deserved all the praises I have bestowed on her."]

O once I lov'd a bonnie lass, Ay, and I love her still; And whilst that honour 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 e'e, But without some better qualities She's no a lass for me.

But Nelly's looks are blithe and sweet, And what is best of a', Her reputation is complete, 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 control

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