1567, William Painter (translator), “Letters of the Emperour Traiane” in The Second Tome of the Palace of Pleasure, London: Nicholas England,
[…] the Gods neuer shewed them selues so rigorous, as against a mercilesse and vnpitiful people.
Source: wiktionary
1782, Frances Burney, Cecilia, London: T. Payne & Son and T. Cadell, Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 1, p. 220,
To be sure, I can’t say myself as she was overcomplaisant to make us welcome; but I hope I am above being so unpitiful as for to owe her a grudge for it now she’s so down in the mouth.
Source: wiktionary