Careful Words

nimble (adj.)

  His words, like so many nimble and airy servitors, trip about him at command.

John Milton (1608-1674): Apology for Smectymnuus.

What things have we seen

Done at the Mermaid! heard words that have been

So nimble and so full of subtile flame

As if that every one from whence they came

Had meant to put his whole wit in a jest,

And resolved to live a fool the rest

Of his dull life.

William Drummond (1585-1649): Letter to Ben Jonson.