1611, Lording Barry, Ram-Alley: or Merrie-Trickes, London: Robert Wilson, Act II, Scene 1,[1]
I am glad he is gon, a put me to the blush
When a did aske me of ritch Somerfields death.
1725, Daniel Defoe, Every-body’s Business, Is No-body’s Business: or, Private Abuses, Publick Grievances, London: T. Warner et al., p. 15,[2]
I remember I was once put very much to the Blush, being at a Friend’s House, and by him requir’d to salute the Ladies, I kiss’d the Chamber-Jade in to the bargain, for she was as well dress’d as the best.
The tempting prospect of putting to the blush people who stand at the head of affairs—that supreme and piquant enjoyment of those who writhe under the heel of the same—had alone animated them, so far as he could see;