"I knew that you would grow to be a fine lad when first you came to us," he said.

Yes, a fine lad, the very image of his father.

One of the finest lads I've ever had the pleasure to train.

I had to see you fine lads again, eh boys?

"He had already been through his threshold sickness, and was a fine lad."

Then maybe people would get to wondering why such a fine young lad had perished in his prime.

"So what do we know about these fine young lads, Philly?"

I was only going to say what a fine lad he seems to be.

Your brother is a fine lad, but he is no leader.

A fine lad his father will find when he comes back; but if that is not soon, he'll scarce know him.