Handsome Nell
O 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.
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Works written between 1771 and 1779—The works of Robert Burns
Burn's earlier works didn't note a precise year.
Works read by Liam Brennan—The works of Robert Burns
All his recordings from the 250th anniversary project.
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