Here's to the maiden of bashful fifteen;

Here's to the widow of fifty;

Here's to the flaunting, extravagant quean,

And here's to the housewife that's thrifty!

Let the toast pass;

Drink to the lass;

I 'll warrant she 'll prove an excuse for the glass.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816): School for Scandal. Act iii. Sc. 3.

I never tempted her with word too large,

But, as a brother to his sister, show'd

Bashful sincerity and comely love.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Much Ado about Nothing. Act iv. Sc. 1.

The bashful virgin's sidelong looks of love.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774): The Deserted Village. Line 29.