The cock (male) swan is an emblem or representation of an affectionate and true husband to his wife above all other fowls, for the cock swan holdeth himself to one female only, and for this cause nature has conferred on him a gift beyond all others; that is, to die so joyfully that he sings sweetly when he dies.
The Case of Swans, 7 Coke's Reports 16, at 17 (1592).