Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
1 . Song—Handsome Nell
O
Ay, and I love her still;
And whilst that virtue warms my breast,
I’ll love my handsome Nell.
And mony full as braw;
But, for a modest gracefu’ mein,
The like I never saw.
Is pleasant to the e’e;
But, without some better qualities,
She’s no a lass for me.
And what is best of a’,
Her reputation is complete,
And fair without a flaw.
Both decent and genteel;
And then there’s something in her gait
Gars ony dress look weel.
May slightly touch the heart;
But it’s innocence and modesty
That polishes the dart.
’Tis this enchants my soul;
For absolutely in my breast
She reigns without control.