(TUNE: I AM A MAN UNMARRIED (NOT EXTANT))
O once I lov’d a bonny lass
Ay and I love her still
And whilst that virtue warms my breast
I’ll love my handsome Nell.
Fal lal de dal &c.
As bonny lasses I hae seen,
And mony full as braw;
But for a modest gracefu’ mien,
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 gate
Gars ony dress look weel.
A gaudy dress and gentle air
May slightly touch the heart;
But it’s innocence and modesty
That polisses the dart.
’Tis this in Nelly pleases me;
’Tis this inchants my soul;
For absolutely in my breast
She reigns without controul.
Finis