 | The Poetry of Robert Burns |  |
197
O, ONCE I LOV'D A BONIE LASS
I
O, once I lov'd a bonie lass,Ay, and I love her still!
And whilst that virtue warms my breast,
I'll love my handsome Nell.
II
As bonie lasses I hae seen,And monie full as braw,
But for a modest gracefu' mien
The like I never saw.
III
A bonie 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 blythe and sweet,And, what is best of a',
Her reputation is complete
And fair without a flaw.
198
V
She dresses ay sae clean and neat,Both decent and genteel;
And then there's something in her gait
Gars onie dress look weel.
VI
A gaudy dress and gentle airMay slightly touch the heart;
But it's innocence and modesty
That polishes the dart.
VII
'Tis this in Nelly pleases me,'Tis this enchants my soul;
For absolutely in my breast
She reigns without controul.
| The Poetry of Robert Burns | |