Careful Words

blame (n.)

blame (v.)

blame (adj.)

Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wail

Or knock the breast, no weakness, no contempt,

Dispraise, or blame,—nothing but well and fair,

And what may quiet us in a death so noble.

John Milton (1608-1674): Samson Agonistes. Line 1721.

In part to blame is she,

Which hath without consent bin only tride:

He comes to neere that comes to be denide.

Sir Thomas Overbury (1581-1613): A Wife. St. 36.

Let this great maxim be my virtue's guide,—

In part she is to blame that has been tried:

He comes too near that comes to be denied.

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1690-1762): The Lady's Resolve.