Poem by Robert Burns

* * *

O, ONCE I lov’d a bonnie lass,
  Aye, and I love her still,
And whilst that virtue warms my breast
  I love my handsome Nell
            Fal lal de ral, &c.

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 ee,
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 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 polishes the dart.

‘Tis this In Nelly pleases me,
  ‘Tis this enchants my soul!
For absolutely in my breast
  She reigns without control.

1. I Gaed a Waefu' Gate Yestreen
2. Blythe Was She
3. Farewell to Ballochmyle
4. Young Jamie, Pride of A’ the Plain
5. Farewell, Thou Stream

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