The artful saddler persuaded the young traveler to look at "the most convenientest and handsomest saddle that ever was seen."—Bulwer.
"There's nothing comes out but the most lowest stuff in nature; not a bit of high life among them."—Goldsmith.
THREE FIRST OR FIRST THREE?
432. As to these two expressions, over which a little war has so long been buzzing, we think it not necessary to say more than that both are in good use; not only so in popular speech, but in literary English. Instances of both are given below.
The meaning intended is the same, and the reader gets the same idea from both: hence there is properly a perfect liberty in the use of either or both.
First three, etc.
For Carlyle, and Secretary Walsingham also, have been helping them heart and soul for the last two years.—Kingsley.
The delay in the first three lines, and conceit in the last, jar upon us constantly.—Ruskin.
The last dozen miles before you reach the suburbs.—De Quincey.
Mankind for the first seventy thousand ages ate their meat raw.—Lamb.