Careful Words

swain (n.)

The leaf was darkish, and had prickles on it,

But in another country, as he said,

Bore a bright golden flow'r, but not in this soil;

Unknown, and like esteem'd, and the dull swain

Treads on it daily with his clouted shoon.

John Milton (1608-1674): Comus. Line 631.

My name is Norval; on the Grampian hills

My father feeds his flocks; a frugal swain,

Whose constant cares were to increase his store,

And keep his only son, myself, at home.

John Home (1724-1808): Douglas. Act ii. Sc. 1.

Remote from cities liv'd a swain,

Unvex'd with all the cares of gain;

His head was silver'd o'er with age,

And long experience made him sage.

John Gay (1688-1732): Fables. Part i. The Shepherd and the Philosopher.