Song—Handsome Nell

1771-1779

Song—HandsomeNell注释标题Thefirstofmyperformances.—R.B.

Tune—“Iamamanunmarried.”

OnceIlov'dabonielass,

Ay,andIloveherstill;

Andwhilstthatvirtuewarmsmybreast,

I'lllovemyhandsomeNell.

AsbonielassesIhaeseen,

Andmonyfullasbraw;

But,foramodestgracefu'mein,

ThelikeIneversaw.

Abonielass,Iwillconfess,

Ispleasanttothee'e;

But,withoutsomebetterqualities,

She'snoalassforme.

ButNelly'slooksareblytheandsweet,

Andwhatisbestofa',

Herreputationiscomplete,

Andfairwithoutaflaw.

Shedressesayesaecleanandneat,

Bothdecentandgenteel;

Andthenthere'ssomethinginhergait

Garsonydresslookweel.

Agaudydressandgentleair

Mayslightlytouchtheheart;

Butit'sinnocenceandmodesty

Thatpolishesthedart.

'TisthisinNellypleasesme,

'Tisthisenchantsmysoul;

Forabsolutelyinmybreast

Shereignswithoutcontrol.