O once I lov’d a bonnie lass,
Ay, 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 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 publishes the dart.
‘Tis this in Nell’s pleases me.
‘Tis this enchants my soul;
For absolutely in my breast
She reigns without control.