I.
O once I lov’d a bonnie lass,
Ay, and I love her still;
And whilst that honour warms my breast,
I’ll love my handsome Nell.
II.
As bonnie lasses I hae seen,
And mony full as braw;
But for a modest gracefu’ mien
The like I never saw.
III.
A bonnie lass, I will confess, Is pleasant to the e’e, But without some better qualities She’s no a lass for me.
IV.
But Nelly’s looks are blithe and sweet, And what is best of a’, Her reputation is complete, And fair without a flaw.
V.
She dresses ay sae clean and neat,
Both decent and genteel:
And then there’s something in her gait
Gars ony dress look weel.