1. Song—Handsome Nell

Read '1. Song—Handsome Nell' by 'Robert Burns' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

1. Song—Handsome Nell by Robert Burns

 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.


As bonie lasses I hae seen,
 And mony full as braw;
But, for a modest gracefu’ mein,
 The like I never saw.


A bonie 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 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.


 Note 1. The first of my performances.—R. B. [back]

Form: Ballad

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