Careful Words

comely (adj.)

  Be valyaunt, but not too venturous. Let thy attyre bee comely, but not costly.

John Lyly (Circa 1553-1601): Euphues, 1579 (Arber's reprint), page 39.

Spanking Jack was so comely, so pleasant, so jolly,

Though winds blew great guns, still he 'd whistle and sing;

Jack loved his friend, and was true to his Molly,

And if honour gives greatness, was great as a king.

Charles Dibdin (1745-1814): The Sailor's Consolation.

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.