SAMSON AGONISTES A Dramatic Poem By John Milton OF THAT SORT OF DRAMATIC POEM WHICH IS CALLED TRAGEDY. TRAGEDY, as it was anciently composed, hath been ever held the gravest, moralest, and most profitable of all other poems; therefore said by Aristotle to be of power, by raising pity, and fear, or terror, to purge the mind of those and such like passions, that is, to temper and reduce them to just measure with a kind of delight, stirred up by reading or seeing those passions well imitated. Nor is nature wanting in her own effects to make good his assertion, for so in physic things of melancholic hue and quality are used against melancholy, sour against sour, salt to remove salt humours. Hence philosophers and other gravest writers, as Cicero, Plutarch, and others, frequently cite out of tragic poets, both to adorn and illustrate their discourse. The apostle Paul himself thought it not unworthy to insert a verse of Euripides into the text of holy scripture, 1 Cor. xv. 33, and Paraeus, commenting on the Revelation, divides the whole book, as a tragedy, into acts, distinguished each by a chorus of heavenly harpings and song between. Heretofore men in highest dignity have laboured not a little to be thought able to compose a tragedy. Of that honour Dionysius the elder was no less ambitious, than before of his attaining to the tyranny. Augustus Caesar also had begun his Ajax, but unable to please his own judgment with what he had begun, left it unfinished. Seneca, the philosopher, is by some thought the author of those tragedies, at least the best of them, that go under that name. Gregory Nazianzen, a father of the church, thought it not unbeseeming the sanctity of his person to write a tragedy, which is entitled; Christ Suffering. This is mentioned to vindicate tragedy from the small esteem, or rather infamy, which in the account of many it undergoes at this day with other common interludes; happening through the poet's error of intermixing comic stuff with tragic sadness and gravity, or introducing trivial and vulgar persons, which by all judicious hath been counted absurd, and brought in without discretion, corruptly to gratify the people. And though ancient tragedy use no prologue, yet using sometimes, in case of self-defence, or explanation, that which Martial calls an epistle, in behalf of this tragedy coming forth after the ancient manner, much different from what among us passes for best, thus much beforehand may be epistled: that Chorus is here introduced after the Greek manner, not ancient only but modern, and still in use among the Italians. In the modeling therefore of this poem, with good reason, the ancients and Italians are rather followed, as of much more authority and fame. The measure of verse used in the chorus is of all sorts, called by the Greeks Monostrophic, or rather Apolelymenon, without regard had to Strophe, Antistrophe, or Epode, which were a kind of stanzas framed only for the music, then used with the chorus that sung; not essential to the poem, and therefore not material; or being divided into stanzas or pauses, they may be called Alloeostropha. Division into act and scene referring chiefly to the stage, to which this work never was intended, is here omitted. It suffices if the whole drama be found not produced beyond the fifth act; of the style and uniformity, and that commonly called the plot, whether intricate or explicit, which is nothing indeed but such economy, or disposition of the fable as may stand best with verisimilitude and decorum, they only will best judge who are not unacquainted with Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, the three tragic poets, unequalled yet by any, and the best rule to all who endeavour to write tragedy. The circumscription of time, wherein the whole drama begins and ends is according to ancient rule and best example, within the space of twenty-four hours. THE ARGUMENT. SAMS0N made captive, blind, and now in the prison at Gaza, there to labour as in a common workhouse, on a festival-day, in the general cessation from labonr, comes forth into the open air, to a place nigh, somewhat retired, there to sit a while and bemoan his condition. Where he happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals of his tribe, which make the chorus, who seek to comfort him what they can; then by his old father Manoah, who endeavours the like, and withal tells him his purpose to procure his liberty by ransom; and, lastly, that this feast was proclaimed by the Philistines as a day of thanksgiving for their deliverance from the hands of Samson, which yet more troubles him. Manoah then departs to prosecute his endeavour with the Philistian lords for Samson's redemption; who in the mean while is visited by other persons; and lastly by a public officer to require his coming to the feast before the lords and people, to play or show his strength in their presence. He at first refuses, dismissing the public officer with absolute denial to come; at length persuaded inwardly that this was from God, he yields to go along with him, who came now the second time with great threatenings to fetch him. The chorus yet remaining on the place, Manoah returns full of joyful hope, to procure ere long his son's deliverance: in the midst of which discourse an Hebrew comes in haste, confusedly at first, and afterward more distinctly, relating the catastrophe, what Samson had done to the Philistines, and by accident to himself; wherewith the tragedy ends. THE PERSONS. SAMSON MANOAH, the father of Samson. DALILA, his wife. HARAPHA of Gath. Public OFFICER. MESSENGER. CHORUS of Danites. The Scene before the Prison in Gaza SAMSON AGONISTES. SAMSON A little onward lend thy guiding hand To these dark steps, a little further on; For yonder bank hath choice of sun or shade: There I am wont to sit, when any chance Relieves me from my task of servile toil, Daily in the common prison else enjoin'd me, Where I, a prisoner chain'd, scarce freely draw The air imprison'd also, close and damp, Unwholesome draught: but here I feel amends, The breath of heav'n fresh blowing, pure and sweet, With day-spring born; here leave me to respire. This day a solemn feast the people hold To Dagon, their sea-idol, and forbid Laborious works, unwillingly this rest Their superstition yields me; hence with leave Retiring from the popular noise, I seek This unfrequented place to find some ease, Ease to the body some, none to the mind From restless thoughts, that, like a deadly swarm Of hornets arm'd, no sooner found alone, But rush upon me thronging, and present Times past, what once I was, and what am now. Oh! wherefore was my birth from heav'n foretold Twice by an angel, who at last in sight Of both my parents all in flames ascended From off the altar, where an off'ring burn'd, As in a fiery column charioting His god-like presence, and from some great act Or benefit reveal'd to Abraham's race? Why was my breeding order'd and prescrib'd As of a person separate to God, Design'd for great exploits, if I must die Betray'd, captiv'd, and both my eyes put out, Made of my enemies the scorn and gaze, To grind in brazen fetters under task With this heav'n-gifted strength? O glorious strength Put to the labour of a beast, debas'd Lower than bondslave! Promise was that I Should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver; Ask for this great deliverer now, and find him Eyeless in Gaza at the mill with slaves, Himself in bonds under Philistian yoke. Yet stay, let me not rashly call in doubt Divine prediction: what! if all foretold Had been fulfill'd but through mine own default, Whom have I to complain of but myself? Who this high gift of strength committed to me, In what part lodg'd, how easily bereft me, Under the seal of silence could not keep, But weakly to a woman must reveal it, O'ercome with importunity and tears. O impotence of mind in body strong! But what is strength without a double share Of wisdom? vast, unwieldy, burthensome, Proudly secure, yet liable to fall By weakest subtleties, not made to rule, But to subserve where wisdom bears command. God, when he gave me strength, to show withal How slight the gift was, hung it in my hair. But peace, I must not quarrel with the will Of highest dispensation, which herein Haply had ends above my reach to know: Suffices that to me strength is my bane, And proves the source of all my miseries, So many, and so huge, that each apart Would ask a life to wail; but chief of all, O loss of sight, of thee I most complain! Blind among enemies, O worse than chains, Dungeon, or beggary, or decrepit age! Light the prime work of God to me's extinct, And all her various objects of delight Annull'd, which might in part my grief have eas'd, Inferior to the vilest now become Of man or worm, the vilest here excel me; They creep, yet see, I dark in light exposed To daily fraud, contempt, abuse, and wrong. Within doors, or without, still as a fool In power of others, never in my own; Scarce half I seem to live, dead more than half. O dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon, Irrecoverably dark, total eclipse Without all hope of day! O first created beam, and thou great Word, Let there be light, and light was over all; Why am I thus bereav'd thy prime decree? The sun to me is dark And silent as the moon, When she deserts the night Hid in her vacant interlunar cave. Since light so necessary is to life, And almost life itself, if it be true That light is in the soul, She all in every part; why was the sight To such a tender ball as th' eye confin'd, So obvious and so easy to be quench'd? And not as feeling through all parts diffus'd, That she might look at will through every pore? Then had I not been thus exil'd from light, As in the land of darkness yet in light, To live a life half dead, a living death, And buried; but O yet more miserable! Myself my sepulchre, a moving grave, - Buried, yet not exempt By privilege of death and burial From worst of other evils, pains, and wrongs, But made hereby obnoxious more To all the miseries of life, Life in captivity Among inhuman foes. But who are these? for with joint pace I hear The tread of many feet steering this way; Perhaps my enemies, who come to stare At my affliction, and perhaps t' insult, Their daily practice to afflict me more. CHORUS This, this is he; softly a while, Let us not break in upon him; O change beyond report, thought, or belief! See how he lies at random, carelessly diffus'd, With languish'd head unpropp'd, As one past hope, abandon'd, As by himself given over; In slavish habit, ill-fitted weeds O'er-worn and soil'd; Or do my eyes misrepresent? can this be he, That heroic, that renown'd, Irresistible Samson? whom unarm'd No strength of man or fiercest wild beast could withstand; Who tore the lion, as the lion tears the kid, Ran on imbattled armies clad in iron, And, weaponless himself, Made arms ridiculous, useless the forgery Of brazen shield and spear, the hammer'd cuirass, Chalybean temper'd steel, and frock of mail Adamantean proof; But safest he who stood aloof, When insupportably his foot advanc'd, In scorn of their proud arms and warlike tools, Spurn'd them to death by troops. The bold Ascalonite Fled from his lion ramp, old warriors turn'd Their plated backs under his heel; Or grov'ling soil'd their crested helmets in the dust. Then with what trivial weapon came to hand, The jaw of a dead ass, his sword of bone, A thousand fore-skins fell, the flower of Palestine In Ramath-lechi, famous to this day: Then by main force pull'd up, and on his shoulders bore The gates of Azza, post, and massy bar, Up to the hill by Hebron, seat of giants old, No journey of a Sabbath day, and loaded so; Like whom the Gentiles feign to bear up heav'n. Which shall I first bewail, Thy bondage or lost sight Prison within prison Inseparably dark? Thou art become, O worst imprisonment! The dungeon of thyself; thy soul, Which men enjoying sight oft without cause complain, Imprison'd now indeed, In real darkness of the body dwells Shut up from outward light, T' incorporate with gloomy night! For inward light, alas! Puts forth no visual beam. O mirror of our fickle state, Since man on earth unparallerd! The rarer thy example stands, By how much from the top of wondrous glory, Strongest of mortal men, To lowest pitch of abject fortune thou art fall'n. For him I reckon not in high estate, Whom long descent of birth Or the sphere of fortune raises: But thee, whose strength, while virtue was her mate, Might have subdued the earth, Universally crown'd with highest praises. SAMSON I hear the sound of words, their sense the air Dissolves unjointed ere it reach my ear. CHORUS He speaks, let us draw nigh. Matchless in might, The glory late of Israel, now the grief, We come, thy friends and neighbours not unknown, From Eshtaol and Zora's fruitful vale, To visit or bewail thee, or, if better, Counsel or consolation we may bring, Salve to thy sores: apt words have power to swage The tumours of a troubled mind, And are as balm to fester'd wounds. SAMSON Your coming, friends, revives me, for I learn Now of my own experience, not by talk, How counterfeit a coin they are who friends Bear in their superscription, of the most I would be understood; in prosperous days They swarm, but in adverse withdraw their head, Not to be found, though sought. Ye see, O friends, How many evils have inclos'd me round; Yet that which was the worst now least afflicts me, Blindness, for had I sight, confus'd with shame, How could I once look up, or heave the head, Who, like a foolish pilot, have shipwreck'd My vessel trusted to me from above, Gloriously rigg'd; and for a word, a tear, Fool, have divulged the secret gift of God To a deceitful woman? tell me, friends, Am I not sung and proverb'd for a fool In every street? do they not say, how well Are come upon him his deserts? yet why? Immeasurable strength they might behold In me, of wisdom nothing more than mean; This with the other should, at least, have pair'd, These two proportion'd ill drove me transverse. CHORUS Tax not divine disposal: wisest men Have err'd, and by bad women been deceiv'd; And shall again, pretend they ne'er so wise. Deject not then so overmuch thyself, Who hast of sorrow thy full load besides; Yet, truth to say, I oft have heard men wonder Why thou shouldst wed Philistian women rather Than of thine own tribe fairer, or as fair, At least of thy own nation, and as noble. SAMSON The first I saw at Timna, and she pleas'd Me, not my parents, that I sought to wed The daughter of an infidel. They knew not That what I motion'd was of God; I knew From intimate impulse, and therefore urg'd The marriage on; that by occasion hence I might begin Israel's deliverance, The work to which I was divinely call'd. She proving false, the next I took to wife, O that I never had! fond wish too late! Was in the vale of Sorec, Dalila, That specious monster, my accomplish'd snare. I thought it lawful from my former act, And the same end, still watching to oppress Israel's oppressors. Of what now I suffer She was not the prime cause, but I myself, Who, vanquish'd with a peal of words, O weakness! Gave up my fort of silence to a woman. CHORUS In seeking just occasion to provoke The Philistine, thy country's enemy, Thou never wast remiss, I bear thee witness: Yet Israel still serves with all his sons. SAMSON That fault I take not on me, but transfer On Israel's governors, and heads of tribes, Who, seeing those great acts which God had done Singly by me against their conquerors, Acknowledg'd not, or not at all consider'd Deliverance offer'd. I on the other side Us'd no ambition to commend my deeds, The deeds themselves, tho' mute, spoke loud the doer; But they persisted deaf, and would not seem To count them things worth notice, till at length Their lords the Philistines with gather'd powers Enter'd Judea seeking me, who then Safe to the rock of Etham was retir'd, Not flying, but forecasting in what place To set upon them, what advantag'd best. Meanwhile the men of Judah, to prevent The harass of their land, beset me round; I willingly on some conditions came Into their hands, and they as gladly yield me To the uncircumcis'd a welcome prey, Bound with two cords: but cords to me were threads Touch'd with the flame. On their whole host I flew Unarm'd, and with a trivial weapon fell'd Their choicest youth; they only liv'd who fled. Had Judah that day join'd, or one whole tribe, They had by this possess'd the towers of Gath, And lorded over them whom now they serve: But what more oft in nations grown corrupt, And by their vices brought to servitude, Bondage with ease than strenuous liberty; And to despise, or envy, or suspect Whom God hath of his special favour rais'd As their deliverer? If he aught begin, How frequent to desert him, and at last To heap ingratitude on worthiest deeds? CHORUS Thy words to my remembrance bring How Succoth and the fort of Penuel Their great deliverer contemn'd, The matchless Gideon in pursuit Of Madian and her vanquish'd kings: And how ingrateful Ephraim Had dealt with Jephtha, who by argument, Not worse than by his shield and spear, Defended Israel from the Ammonite, Had not his prowess quell'd their pride In that sore battle, when so many died Without reprieve adjudg'd to death, For want of well pronouncing Shibboleth. SAMSON Of such examples add me to the roll, Me easily indeed mine may neglect, But God's propos'd deliverance not so. CHORUS Just are the ways of God, And justifiable to men; Unless there be who think not God at all: If any be, they walk obscure; For of such doctrine never was there school, But the heart of the fool, And no man therein doctor but himself. Yet more there be who doubt his ways not just, As to his own edicts found contradicting, Then give the reins to wand'ring thought, Regardless of his glory's diminution; Till, by their own perplexities involv'd, They ravel more, still less resolv'd, But never find self-satisfying solution. As if they would confine th' Interminable, And tie him to his own prescript, Who made our laws to bind us, not himself, And hath full right to exempt Whom so it pleases him by choice From national obstriction, without taint Of sin, or legal debt; For with his own laws he can best dispense. He would not else, who never wanted means, Nor in respect of th' enemy just cause To set his people free, Have prompted this heroic Nazarite, Against his vow of strictest purity, To seek in marriage that fallacious bride, Unclean, unchaste. Down reason then, at least vain reasonings down, Though reason here aver That moral verdict quits her of unclean: Unchaste was subsequent, her stain not his. But, see! here comes thy reverend sire With careful step, locks white as down, Old Manoah; advise Forthwith how thou ought'st to receive him. SAMSON Aye me! another inward grief awak'd With mention of that name renews th' assault. MANOAH Brethren and men of Dan, for such ye seem, Though in this uncouth place; if old respect, As I suppose, towards your once gloried friend, My son now captive, hither hath inform'd Your younger feet, while mine cast back with age Came lagging after; say if he be here. CHORUS As signal now in low dejected state, As erst in highest, behold him where he lies. MANOAH O miserable change! is this the man, That invincible Samson, far renown'd, The dread of Israel's foes, who with a strength Equivalent to angels walk'd their streets, None offering fight; who single combatant Duell'd their armies rank'd in proud array, Himself an army, now unequal match To save himself against a coward arm'd At one spear's length. O ever-failing trust In mortal strength! and, oh! what not in man Deceivable and vain? nay, what thing good, Pray'd for, but often proves our woe, our bane? I pray'd for children, and thought barrenness In wedlock a reproach; I gain'd a son, And such a son as all men hail'd me happy: Who would be now a father in my stead? O wherefore did God grant me my request, And as a blessing with such pomp adorn'd? Why are his gifts desirable, to tempt Our earnest pray'rs, then, giv'n with solemn hand As graces, draw a scorpion's tail behind? For this did th' angel twice descend? for this Ordain'd thy nurture holy, as of a plant Select and sacrea, glorious for a while, The miracle of men; then in an hour Ensnar'd, assaulted, overcome, led bound, Thy foes' derision, captive, poor, and blind, Into a dungeon thrust to work with slaves? Alas! methinks whom God hath chosen once To worthiest deeds, if he through frailty err, He should not so o'erwhelm, and as a thrall Subject him to so foul indignities, Be it but for honour's sake of former deeds. SAMSON Appoint not heav'nly disposition, father; Nothing of all these evils hath befall'n me But justly; I myself have brought them on, Sole author I, sole cause; if aught seem vile, As vile hath been my folly, who have profan'd The mystery of God giv'n me under pledge Of vow, and have betray'd it to a woman, A Canaanite, my faithless enemy. This well I knew, nor was at all surpriz'd, But warn'd by oft experience: did not she Of Timna first betray me, and reveal The secret wrested from me in her height Of nuptial love profest, carrying it straight To them who had corrupted her, my spies And rivals? In this other was there found More faith, who also in her prime of love, Spousal embraces, vitiated with gold, Though offer'd only, by the scent conceiv'd Her spurious first-born, treason against me? Thrice she assay'd with flattering prayers, and sighs, And amorous reproaches, to win from me My capital secret, in what part my strength Lay stor'd, in what part summ'd, that she might know; Thrice I deluded her, and turn'd to sport Her importunity, each time perceiving How openly and with what impudence She purpos'd to betray me, and, which was worse Than undissembled hate, with what contempt She sought to make me traitor to myself; Yet the fourth time, when, mustering all her wiles, With blandish'd parlies, feminine assaults, Tongue-batteries, she surceas'd not day nor night To storm me over-watch'd and wearied out, At times when men seek most repose and rest, I yielded, and unlock'd her all my heart, Who with a grain of manhood well resolv'd Might easily have shook off all her snares: But foul effeminacy held me yok'd Her bond-slave; O indignity! O blot To honour and religion! servile mind Rewarded well with servile punishment! The base degree to which I now am fall'n, These rags, this grinding, is not yet so base As was my former servitude, ignoble, Unmanly, ignominious, infamous, True slavery, and that blindness worse than this, That saw not how degenerately I serv'd. MANOAH I cannot praise thy marriage choices, son, Rather approv'd them not; but thou didst plead Divine impulsion prompting how thou might'st Find some occasion to infest our foes. I state not that; this I am sure, our foes Found soon occasion thereby to make thee Their captive and their triumph; thou the sooner Temptation found'st, or over-potent charms To violate the sacred trust of silence Deposited within thee; which to have kept Tacit, was in thy power. True; and thou bear'st Enough and more the burthen of that fault; Bitterly hast thou paid, and still art paying That rigid score. A worse thing yet remains, This day the Philistines a popular feast Here celebrate in Gaza; and proclaim Great pomp, and sacrifice, and praises loud To Dagon, as their god, who hath deliver'd Thee, Samson, bound and blind into their hands, Them out of thine, who slew'st them many a slain. So Dagon shall be magnified, and God, Besides whom is no God, compar'd with idols, Disglorified, blasphem'd, and had in scorn By the idolatrous rout amidst their wine; Which to have come to pass by means of thee, Samson, of all thy sufferings think the heaviest, Of all reproach the most with shame that ever Could have befall'n thee and thy father's house. SAMSON Father, I do acknowledge and confess That I this honour, I this pomp, have brought To Dagon, and advanc'd his praises high Among the heathen round; to God have brought Dishonour, obloquy, and op'd the mouths Of idolists and atheists; have brought scandal To Israel, diffidence of God, and doubt In feeble hearts, propense enough before To waver, or fall off, and join with idols; Which is my chief affliction, shame, and sorrow, The anguish of my soul, that suffers not Mine eye to harbour sleep, or thoughts to rest. This only hope relieves me, that the strife With me hath end; all the contest is now 'Twixt God and Dagon; Dagon hath presum'd, Me overthrown, to enter lists with God, His deity comparing and preferring Before the God of Abraham. He, be sure, Will not connive, or linger, thus provok'd, But will arise, and his great name assert: Dagon must stoop, and shall ere long receive Such a discomfit, as shall quite despoil him Of all these boasted trophies won on me, And with confusion blank his worshippers. MANOAH With cause this hope relieves thee, and these words I as a prophecy receive: for God, Nothing more certain, will not long defer To vindicate the glory of his name Against all competition, nor will long Endure it, doubtful whether God be lord, Or Dagon. But for thee what shall be done? Thou must not in the meanwhile here forgot Lie in this miserable loathsome plight Neglected. I already have made way To some Philistian lords, with whom to treat About thy ransom: well they may by this Have satisfied their utmost of revenge By pains and slaveries, worse than death, inflicted On thee, who now no more canst do them harm. SAMSON Spare that proposal, father, spare the trouble Of that solicitation: let me here, As I deserve, pay on my punishment, And expiate, if possible, my crime, Shameful garrulity. To have reveal'd Secrets of men, the secrets of a friend, How heinous had the fact been, how deserving Contempt and scorn of all, to be excluded All friendship, and avoided as a blab, The mark of fool set on his front? But I God's counsel have not kept, his holy secret Presumptuously have publish'd, impiously, Weakly at least, and shamefully; a sin That Gentiles in their parables condemn To their abyss and horrid pains confin'd. MANOAH Be penitent and for thy fault contrite, But act not in thy own affliction, son; Repent the sin, but if the punishment Thou canst avoid, self-preservation bids; Or th' execution leave to high disposal, And let another hand, not thine, exact Thy penal forfeit from thyself; perhaps God will relent, and quit thee all his debt, Who evermore approves and more accepts, Best pleas'd with humble and filial submission, Him who imploring mercy sues for life, Than who self-rigorous chooses death as due, Which argues over-just, and self-displeas'd For self-offence, more than for God offended. Reject not then what offer'd means: who knows But God hath set before us, to return thee Home to thy country and his sacred house, Where thou may'st bring thy off'rings, to avert His further ire, with prayers and vows renew'd? SAMSON His pardon I implore; but as for life, To what end should I seek it? when in strength All mortals I excell'd, and great in hopes With youthful courage and magnanimous thoughts Of birth from heav'n foretold, and high exploits, Full of divine instinct, after some proof Of acts indeed heroic, far beyond The sons of Anack, famous now and blaz'd, Fearless of danger, like a petty God I walk'd about, admir'd of all and dreaded, On hostile ground, none daring my affront. Then swoll'n with pride into the snare I fell Of fair fallacious looks, venereal trains, Soften'd with pleasure and voluptuous life; At length to lay my head and hallow'd pledge Of all my strength in the lascivious lap Of a deceitful concubine, who shore me, Like a tame wether, all my precious fleece, Then turn'd me out ridiculous, despoil'd, Shav'n, and disarm'd, among mine enemies. CHORUS Desire of wine and all delicious drinks, Which many a famous warrior overturns, Thou could'st repress, nor did the dancing ruby Sparkling, out-pour'd, the flavour, or the smell, Or taste that cheers the hearts of gods and men, Allure thee from the cool crystalline stream. SAMSON Wherever fountain or fresh current flow'd Against the eastern ray, translucent, pure, With touch etherial of heav'n's fiery rod, I drank, from the clear milky juice allaying Thirst, and refresh'd; nor envied them the grape, Whose heads that turbulent liquor fills with fumes. CHORUS O madness, to think use of strongest wines And strongest drinks our chief support of health, When God with these forbidden made choice to rear His mighty champion, strong above compare, Whose drink was only from the liquid brook. SAMSON But what avail'd this temperance, not complete Against another object more enticing? What boots it at one gate to make defence, And at another to let in the foe, Effeminately vanquish'd? by which means, Now blind, dishearten'd, sham'd, dishonour'd, quell'd, To what can I be useful, wherein serve My nation, and the work from heav'n impos'd, But to sit idle on the household hearth, A burd'nous drone; to visitants a gaze, Or pitied object, these redundant locks Robustious to no purpose clust'ring down, Vain monument of strength, till length of years And sedentary numbness craze my limbs To a contemptible old age obscure? Here rather let me drudge and earn my bread, Till vermin or the draff of servile food Consume me, and oft invocated death Hasten the welcome end of all my pains. MANOAH Wilt thou then serve the Philistines with that gift Which was expressly giv'n thee to annoy them? Better at home lie bedrid, not only idle, Inglorious, unemploy'd, with age outworn. But God, who caus'd a fountain at thy prayer From the dry ground to spring, thy thirst to allay After the brunt of battle, can as easy Cause light again within thy eyes to spring, Wherewith to serve him better than thou hast; And I persuade me so; why else this strength Miraculous yet remaining in those locks? His might continues in thee not for nought, Nor shall his wondrous gifts be frustrate thus. SAMSON All otherwise to me my thoughts portend, That these dark orbs no more shall treat with light, Nor th' other light of life continue long, But yield to double darkness nigh at hand: So much I feel my genial spirits droop, My hopes all flat, nature within me seems In all her functions weary of herself, My race of glory run, and race of shame, And I shall shortly be with them that rest. MANOAH Believe not these suggestions, which proceed From anguish of the mind and humours black, That mingle with thy fancy. I however Must not omit a father's timely care To prosecute the means of thy deliverance By ransom or how else: mean while be calm, And healing words from these thy friends admit. SAMSON O that torment should not be confin'd To the body's wounds and sores, With maladies innumerable In heart, head, breast, and reins; But must secret passage find To th' imnost mind, There exercise all his fierce accidents, And on her purest spirits prey, As on entrails, joints, and limbs, With answerable pains, but more intense, Though void of corporal sense. My griefs not only pain me As a ling'ring disease, But, finding no redress, ferment and rage, Nor less than wounds immedicable Rankle, and fester, and gangrene, To black mortification. Thoughts my tormentors, arm'd with deadly stings, Mangle my apprehensive tenderest parts, Exasperate, exulcerate, and raise Dire inflammation, which no cooling herb, Or medicinal liquor can asswage, Nor breath of vernal air from snowy Alp. Sleep hath forsook and given me o'er To death's benumbing opium as my only cure: Thence faintings, swoonings of despair, And sense of heav'n's desertion. I was his nursling once, and choice delight, His destin'd from the womb, Promis'd by heavenly message twice descending: Under his special eye Abstemious I grew up, and thriv'd amain; He led me on to mightiest deeds, Above the nerve of mortal arm, Against the uncircumcised, our enemies: But now hath cast me off as never known, And to those cruel enemies, Whom I by his appointment had provok'd, Left me all helpless with th' irreparable loss Of sight, reserv'd alive to be repeated The subject of their cruelty and scorn. Nor am I in the list of them that hope; Hopeless are all my evils, all remediless; This one prayer yet remains, might I be heard, No long petition, speedy death, The close of all my miseries, and the balm. CHORUS Many are the sayings of the wise, In ancient and in modern books enroll'd, Extolling patience as the truest fortitude; And to the bearing well of all calamities, All chances incident to man's frail hfe, Consolatories writ With studied argument, and much persuasion sought, Lenient of grief and anxious thought: But with th' afflicted in his pangs their sound Little prevails, or rather seems a tune Harsh and of dissonant mood from his complaint; Unless he feel within Some source of consolation from above, Secret refreshings, that repair his strength, And fainting spirits uphold. God of our fathers, what is man! That thou towards him with hand so various, Or might I say contrarious, Temper'st thy providence through his short course, Not ev'nly, as thou rul'st Th' angelic orders and inferior creatures mute, Irrational and brute. Nor do I name of men the common rout, That wand'ring loose about Grow up and perish, as the summer fly, Heads without names no more remember'd, But such as thou hast solemnly elected, With gifts and graces eminently adorn'd To some great work, thy glory, And people's safety, which in part they elect: Yet toward these thus dignified, thou oft Amidst their height of noon, Changest thy countenance, and thy hand with no regard Of highest favours past From thee on them, or them to thee of service. Nor only dost degrade them, or remit To life obscur'd, which were a fair dismission, But throw'st them lower than thou didst exalt them high, Unseemly falls in human eye, Too grievous for the trespass of omission; Oft leav'st them to the hostile sword Of heathen and profane, their carcasses To dogs and fowls a prey, or else captiv'd; Or to the unjust tribunals, under change of times, And condemnation of the ingrateful multitude. If these they scape, perhaps in poverty With sickness and disease thou bow'st them down, Painful diseases and deform'd, In crude old age: Though not disordinate, yet causeless suff'ring The punishment of dissolute days: in fine, Just or unjust, alike seem miserable, For oft alike both come to evil end. So deal not with this once thy glorious champion, The image of thy strength, and mighty minister. What do I beg? how hast thou dealt already! Behold him in this state calamitous, and turn His labours, for thou canst, to peaceful end. But who is this? what thing of sea or land? Female of sex it seems, That so bedeck'd, ornate, and gay, Comes this way sailing Like a stately ship Of Tarsus, bound for th' isles Of Javan or Gadire, With all her bravery on, and tackle trim, Sails fill'd, and streamers waving, Courted by all the winds that hold them play, An amber scent of odorous perfume Her harbinger, a damsel train behind; Some rich Philistian matron she may seem, And now, at nearer view, no other certain Than Dalila thy wife. SAMSON My wife! my traitress: let her not come near me. CHORUS Yet on she moves, now stands and eyes thee fix'd, About t' have spoke, but now, with head declin'd, Like a fair flow'r surcharg'd with dew, she weeps, And words address'd seem into tears dissolv'd, Wetting the borders of her silken veil: But now again she makes address to speak. DALILA With doubtful feet and wavering resolution I came, still dreading thy displeasure, Samson, Which to have merited, without excuse, I cannot but acknowledge; yet if tears May expiate, though the fact more evil drew In the perverse event than I foresaw, My penance hath not slacken'd, though my pardon No way assur'd: but conjugal affection, Prevailing over fear and timorous doubt, Hath led me on, desirous to behold Once more thy face, and know of thy estate, If aught in my ability may serve To lighten what thou suffer'st, and appease Thy mind with what amends is in my power, Though late, yet in some part to recompense My rash, but more unfortunate, misdeed. SAMSON Out, out, hyaena! these are thy wonted arts, And arts of every woman false like thee, To break all faith, all vows, deceive, betray, Then, as repentant, to submit, beseech, And reconcilement move with feign'd remorse. Confess, and promise wonders in her change, Not truly penitent, but chief to try Her husband, how far urg'd his patience bears, His virtue or weakness which way to assail; Then with more cautious and instructed skill Again transgresses, and again submits; That wisest and best men full oft beguil'd, With goodness principled not to reject The penitent, but ever to forgive, Are drawn to wear out miserable days, Entangled with a pois'nous bosom snake, If not by quick destruction soon cut off, As I by thee, to ages an example. DALILA Yet hear me, Samson; not that I endeavour To lessen or extenuate my offence, But that, on th' other side if it be weigh'd By itself, with aggravations not surcharg'd, Or else with just allowance counterpois'd, I may, if possible, thy pardon find The easier towards me, or thy hatred less. First granting, as I do, it was a weakness In me, but incident to all our sex, Curiosity, inquisitive, importune Of secrets, then with like infirmity To publish them, both common female faults: Was it not weakness also to make known For importunity, that is, for nought, Wherein consisted all thy strength and safety? To what I did thou show'dst me first the way. But I to enemies reveal'd, and should not; Nor should'st thou have trusted that to woman's frailty. Ere I to thee, thou to thyself wast cruel. Let weakness then with weakness come to parle, So near related, or the same of kind, Thine forgive mine; that men may censure thine The gentler, if severely thou exact not More strength from me than in thyself was found. And what if love, which thou interpret'st hate, The jealousy of love, powerful of sway In human hearts, nor less in mine towards thee, Caus'd what I did? I saw thee mutable Of fancy, fear'd lest one day thou would'st leave me As her at Timna, sought by all means therefore How to endear, and hold thee to me firmest: No better way I saw than by importuning To learn thy secrets, get into my power Thy key of strength and safety. Thou wilt say, Why then reveal'd? I was assur'd by those Who tempted me, that nothing was design'd Against thee but safe custody and hold: That made for me; I knew that liberty Would draw thee forth to perilous enterprises, While I at home sat full of cares and fears, Wailing thy absence in my widow'd bed: Here I should still enjoy thee day and night, Mine and love's prisoner, not the Philistines, Whole to myself, unhazarded abroad, Fearless at home of partners in my love. These reasons in love's law have past for good, Though fond and reasonless to some perhaps; And love hath oft, well meaning, wrought much woe, Yet always pity or pardon hath obtain'd. Be not unlike all others, not austere As thou art strong, inflexible as steel. If thou in strength all mortals dost exceed, In uncompassionate anger do not so. SAMSON How cunningly the sorceress displays Her own transgressions, to upbraid me mine! That malice not repentance brought thee hither, By this appears: I gave, thou say'st, th' example, I led the way; bitter reproach, but true; I to myself was false ere thou to me; Such pardon therefore as I give my folly, Take to thy wicked deed; which when thou seest Impartial, self-severe, inexorable, Thou wilt renounce thy seeking, and much rather Confess it feign'd; weakness is thy excuse, And I believe it, weakness to resist Philistian gold; if weakness may excuse, What murderer, what traitor, parricide, Incestuous, sacrilegious, but may plead it? All wickedness is weakness: that plea therefore With God or man will gain thee no remission. But love constrain'd thee; call it furious rage To satisfy thy lust. Love seeks to have love: My love how could'st thou hope, who took'st the way To raise in me inexpiable hate, Knowing, as needs I must, by thee betray'd? In vain thou striv'st to cover shame with shame, Or by evasions thy crime uncover'st more. DALILA Since thou determin'st weakness for no plea In man or woman, though to thy own condemning, Hear what assaults I had, what snares besides, What sieges girt me round, ere I consented, Which might have aw'd the best resolv'd of men, The constantest, to have yielded without blame. It was not gold, as to my charge thou lay'st, That wrought with me. Thou know'st the magistrates And princes of my country came in person, Solicited, commanded, threaten'd, urg'd, Adjur'd by all the bonds of civil duty And of religion, press'd how just it was, How honourable, how glorious, to entrap A common enemy, who had destroy'd Such numbers of our nation: and the priest Was not behind, but ever at my ear, Preaching how meritorious with the gods It would be to ensnare an irreligious Dishonourer of Dagon. What had I T' oppose against such powerful arguments? Only my love of thee held long debate, And combated in silence all these reasons With hard contest: at length that grounded maxim, So rife and celebrated in the mouths Of wisest men, that to the public good Private respects must yield with grave authority Took full possession of me and prevail'd; Virtue, as I thought, truth, duty, so enjoining. SAMSON I thought where all thy circling wiles would end; In feign'd religion, smooth hypocrisy. But had thy love, still odiously pretended, Been, as it ought, sincere, it would have taught thee Far other reasonings, brought forth other deeds. I before all the daughters of my tribe And of my nation chose thee from among My enemies, lov'd thee, as too well thou knew'st, Too well unbosom'd all my secrets to thee, Not out of levity, but over-power'd By thy request, who could deny thee nothing; Yet now am judg'd an enemy. Why then Didst thou at first receive me for thy husband, Then, as since then, thy country's foe profess'd? Being once a wife, for me thou wast to leave Parents and country; nor was I their subject, Nor under their protection but my own, Thou mine, not theirs. If aught against my life Thy country sought of thee, it sought unjustly, Against the law of nature, law of nations, No more thy country, but an impious crew Of men, conspiring to uphold their state By worse than hostile deeds, violating the ends For which our country is a name so dear; Not therefore to be obey'd. But zeal mov'd thee; To please thy gods thou didst it; gods unable To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes But by ungodly deeds, the contradiction Of their own deity, gods cannot be; Less therefore to be pleas'd, obey'd, or fear'd. These false pretexts and varnish'd colours failing, Bare in thy guilt how foul must thou appear? DALILA In argument with men a woman ever Goes by the worse, whatever be her cause. SAMSON For want of words, no doubt, or lack of breath, Witness when I was worried with thy peals. DALILA I was a fool, too rash, and quite mistaken In what I thought would have succeeded best. Let me obtain forgiveness of thee, Samson, Afford me place to show what recompense Towards thee I intend for what I have misdone, Misguided; only what remains past cure Bear not too sensibly, nor still insist To afflict thyself in vain. Though sight be lost, Life yet hath many solaces, enjoy'd Where other senses want not their delights At home in leisure and domestic ease, Exempt from many a care and chance to which Eye-sight exposes daily men abroad. I to the lords will intercede, not doubting Their favourable ear, that I may fetch thee From forth this loathsome prison-house, to abide With me, where my redoubled love and care With nursing diligence, to me glad office, May ever tend about thee to old age, With all things grateful cheer'd, and so supplied, That what by me thou hast lost thou least shalt miss. SAMSON No, no; of my condition take no care; It fits not; thou and I long since are twain; Nor think me so unwary or accurst, To bring my feet again into the snare Where once I have been caught: I know thy trains Though dearly to my cost, thy gins, and toils, Thy fair enchanted cup and warbling charms No more on me have power, their force is null'd, So much of adder's wisdom I have learnt To fence my ear against thy sorceries. If in my flower of youth and strength, when all men Lov'd, honour'd, fear'd me, thou alone could'st hate me Thy husband, slight me, sell me, and forego me; How would'st thou use me now, blind, and thereby Deceivable, in most things as a child Helpless, thence easily contemn'd, and scorn'd, And last neglected? how would'st thou insult, When I must live uxorious to thy will In perfect thraldom, how again betray me Bearing my words and doings to the lords To gloss upon, and censuring, frown or smile? This gaol I count the house of liberty To thine, whose doors my feet shall never enter. DALILA Let me approach at least and touch thy hand. SAMSON Not for thy life, lest fierce remembrance wake My sudden rage to tear thee joint by joint. At distance I forgive thee, go with that, Bewail thy falsehood, and the pious works It hath brought forth to make thee memorable Among illustrious women, faithful wives: Cherish thy hasten'd widowhood with the gold Of matrimonial treason: so farewell. DALILA I see thou art implacable, more deaf To prayers than winds and seas, yet winds to seas Are reconcil'd at length, and sea to shore: Thy anger unappeasable still rages, Eternal tempest never to be calm'd. Why do I humble thus myself, and, suing For peace, reap nothing but repulse and hate? Bid go with evil omen and the brand Of infamy upon my name denounc'd? To mix with thy concernments I desist Henceforth, nor too much disapprove my own. Fame if not double-fac'd is double-mouth'd, And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds; On both his wings, one black, the other white, Bears greatest names in his wild aery flight. My name perhaps among the circumcis'd, In Dan, in Judah, and the bordering tribes, To all posterity may stand defam'd, With malediction mention'd, and the blot Of falsehood most unconjugal traduc'd. But in my country where I most desire, In Ecron, Gaza, Asdod, and in Gath, I shall be nam'd among the famousest Of women, sung at solemn festivals, Living and dead recorded, who to save Her country from a fierce destroyer, chose Above the faith of wedlock-bands, my tomb With odours visited and annual flowers; Not less renown'd than in Mount Ephraim Jael, who with inhospitable guile Smote Sisera sleeping through the temples nail'd. Nor shall I count it heinous to enjoy The public marks of honour and reward Conferr'd upon me, for the piety Which to my country I was judg'd to have shown. At this who ever envies or repines, I leave him to his lot, and like my own. CHORUS She's gone, a manifest serpent by her sting Discover'd in the end, till now conceal'd. SAMSON So let her go: God sent her to debase me, And aggravate my folly, who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust Of secrecy, my safety, and my life. CHORUS Yet beauty, tho' injurious, hath strange power, After offence returning, to regain Love once possess'd, nor can be easily Repuls'd, without much inward passion felt And secret sting of amorous remorse. SAMSON Love-quarrels oft in pleasing concord end; Not wedlock-treachery endang'ring life. CHORUS It is not virtue, wisdom, valour, wit, Strength, comeliness of shape, or amplest merit, That woman's love can win or long inherit; But what it is, hard is to say, Harder to hit, Which way soever men refer it, Much like thy riddle, Samson, in one day Or seven, though one should musing sit. If any of these or all, the Timnian bride Had not so soon preferr'd Thy paranymph, worthless to thee compar'd, Successor in thy bed, Nor both so loosely disallied Their nuptials, nor this last so treacherously Had shorn the fatal harvest of thy head, Is it for that such outward ornament Was lavish'd on their sex, that inward gifts Were left for haste unfinish'd, judgment scant, Capacity not rais'd to apprehend Or value what is best In choice, but oftest to affect the wrong? Or was too much of self-love mix'd, Of constancy no root infix'd, That either they love nothing, or not long? Whate'er it be to wisest men and best Seeming at first all heavenly under virgin veil, Soft, modest, meek, demure, Once join'd, the contrary she proves, a thorn Intestine, far within defensive arms A cleaving mischief, in his way to virtue Adverse and turbulent, or by her charms Draws him awry enslav'd With dotage, and his sense deprav'd To folly and shameful deeds which ruin ends. What pilot so expert but needs must wreck, Imbark'd with such a steers-mate at the helm? Favour'd of heav'n who finds One virtuous, rarely found, That in domestic good combines: Happy that house! his way to peace is smooth; But virtue, which breaks through all opposition, And all temptation can remove, Most shines and most is acceptable above. Therefore God's universal law Gave to the man despotic power Over his female in due awe, Nor from that right to part an hour, Smile she or lour: So shall he least confusion draw On his whole life, not sway'd By female usurpation, or dismay'd. But had we best retire? I see a storm. SAMSON Fair days have oft contracted wind and rain. CHORUS But this another kind of tempest brings. SAMSON Be less abstruse, my riddling days are past. CHORUS Look now for no inchanting voice, nor fear The bait of honied words; a rougher tongue Draws hitherward, I know him by his stride, The giant Harapha of Gath, his look Haughty as is his pile high-built and proud. Comes he in peace? what wind hath blown him hither I less conjecture than when first I saw The sumptuous Dalila floating this way: His habit carries peace, his brow defiance. SAMSON Or peace or not, alike to me he comes. CHORUS His fraught we soon shall know, he now arrives. HARAPHA I come not, Samson, to condole thy chance, As these perhaps, yet wish it had not been, Though for no friendly intent. I am of Gath, Men call me Harapha, of stock renow~'d As Og, or Anak, and the Emilns old That Kiriathaim held; thou know'st me now If thou at all art known. Much I have heard Of thy prodigious might and feats perform'd, Incredible to me, in this displeas'd, That I was never present on the place Of those encounters, where we might have tried Each other's force in camp or listed field: And now am come to see of whom such noise Hath walk'd about, and each limb to survey, If thy appearance answer loud report. SAMSON The way to know were not to see but taste. HARAPHA Dost thou already single me? I thought Gyves and the mill had tam'd thee. O that fortune Had brought me to the field where thou art fam'd To have wrought such wonders with an ass's jaw! I should have forc'd thee soon with other arms, Or left thy carcass where the ass lay thrown; So had the glory of prowess been recover'd To Palestine, won by a Philistine From the unforeskinn'd race, of whom thou bear'st The highest name for valiant acts: that honour Certain to have won by mortal duel from thee, I lose, prevented by thy eyes put out. SAMSON Boast not of what thou would'st have done, but do What then thou wouldst, thou see'st it in thy hand. HARAPHA To combat with a blind man I disdain, And thou hast need much washing to be touch'd. SAMSON Such usage as your honourable lords Afford me assassinated and betray'd, Who durst not with their whole united powers In fight withstand me single and unarm'd, Nor in the house with chamber ambushes Close-banded durst attack me, no not sleeping, Till they had hir'd a woman with their gold, Breaking her marriage faith to circumvent me. Therefore without feign'd shifts let be assign'd Some narrow place inclos'd, where sight may give thee, Or rather flight, no great advantage on me; Then put on all thy gorgeous arms, thy helmet And brigandine of brass, thy broad habergeon, Vant-brass and greves, and gauntlet, add thy spear, A weaver's beam, and seven-times-folded shield, I only with an oaken staff will meet thee, And raise such outcries on thy clatter'd iron, Which long shall not withhold me from thy head, That in a little time, while breath remains thee, Thou oft shalt wish thyself at Gath to boast Again in safety what thou wouldst have done To Samson, but shall never see Gath more. HARAPHA Thou durst not thus disparage glorious arms, Which greatest heroes have in battle worn, Their ornament and safety, had not spells And black enchantment, some magician's art, Arm'd thee, or charm'd thee strong, which thou from heav'n Feign'dst at thy birth was giv'n thee in thy hair, Where strength can least abide, tho' all thy hairs Were bristles rang'd like those that ridge the back Of chaf'd wild boars or ruffled porcupines. SAMSON I know no spells, use no forbidden arts; My trust is in the living God, who gave me At my nativity this strength, diffus'd No less through all my sinews, joints, and bones, Than thine, while I preserv'd these locks unshorn, The pledge of my unviolated vow. For proof hereof, if Dagon be thy god, Go to his temple, invocate his aid With solemnest devotion, spread before him How highly it concerns his glory now To frustrate and dissolve these magic spells, Which I to be the power of Israel's God Avow, and challenge Dagon to the test, Off'ring to combat thee his champion bold, With th' utmost of his godhead seconded: Then thou shalt see, or rather to thy sorrow Soon feel, whose God is strongest, thine or mine. HARAPHA Presume not on thy God, whate'er he be, Thee he regards not, owns not, hath cut off Quite from his people, and deliver'd up Into thy enemies' hand, permitted them To put out both thine eyes, and fetter'd send thee Into the common prison, there to grind Among the slaves and asses, thy comrades, As good for nothing else, no better service With those thy boist'rous locks, no worthy match For valour to assail, nor by the sword Of noble warrior, so to stain his honour, But by the barber's razor best sudued. SAMSON All these indignities, for such they are From thine, these evils I deserve and more, Acknowledge them from God inflicted on me Justly, yet despair not of his final pardon Whose ear is ever open, and his eye Gracious to readmit the suppliant; In confidence whereof I once again Defy thee to the trial of mortal fight, By combat to decide whose God is God, Thine, or whom I with Israel's sons adore. HARAPHA Fair honour that thou dost thy God, in trusting He will accept thee to defend his cause, A murderer, a revolter, and a robber. SAMSON Tongue-doughty giant, how dost thou prove me these? HARAPHA Is not thy nation subject to our lords? Their magistrates confess'd it, when they took thee As a league-breaker, and deliver'd bound Into our hands; for hadst thou not committed Notorious murder on those thirty men At Ascalon, who never did thee harm, Then like a robber stripp'dst them of their robes? The Philistines, when thou hadst broke the league, Went up with armed powers thee only seeking, To others did no violence nor spoil. SAMSON Among the daughters of the Philistines I chose a wife, which argued me no foe; And in your city held my nuptial feast: But your ill meaning politician lords, Under pretence of bridal friends and guests, Appointed to await me thirty spies, Who threat'ning cruel death constrain'd the bride To wring from me and tell to them my secret, That solv'd the riddle which I had propos'd. When I perceiv'd all set on enmity, As on my enemies, wherever chanc'd, I us'd hostility, and took their spoil To pay my underminers in their coin. My nation was subjected to your lords. It was the force of conquest; force with force Is well ejected when the conquer'd can. But I a private person, whom my country As a league-breaker gave up bound, presum'd Single rebellion, and did hostile acts. I was no private, but a person rais'd With strength sufficient and command from heav'n To free my country; if their servile minds Me their deliverer sent would not receive, But to their masters gave me up for nought, Th' unworthier they; whence to this day they serve. I was to do my part from heav'n assign'd, And had perform'd it, if my known offence Had not disabled me, not all your force: These shifts refuted, answer thy appellant, Though by his blindness maim'd for high attempts, Who now defies thee thrice to single fight, As a petty enterprize of small enforce. HARAPHA With thee a man condemn'd, a slave inroll'd, Due by the law to capital punishment? To fight with thee no man of arms will deign. SAMSON Cam'st thou for this, vain boaster, to survey me, To descant on my strength, and give thy verdict? Come nearer, part not hence so slight inform'd; But take good heed my hand survey not thee. HARAPHA O Baal-zebub! can my ears unus'd Hear these dishonours, and not render death? SAMSON No man withholds thee, nothing from thy hand Fear I incurable; bring up thy van, My heels are fetter'd, but my fist is free. HARAPHA This insolence other kind of answer fits. SAMSON Go, baffled coward, lest I run upon thee, Though in these chains, bulk without spirit vast, And with one buffet lay thy structure low, Or swing thee in the air, then dash thee down To th' hazard of thy brains and shatter'd sides. HARAPHA By Astaroth ere long thou shalt lament These braveries in irons loaden on thee. CHORUS His giantship is gone somewhat crestfall'n, Stalking with less unconscionable strides, And lower looks, but in a sultry chafe. SAMSON I dread him not, nor all his giant brood, Though fame divulge him father of five sons, All of gigantic size, Goliah chief. CHORUS He will directly to the lords, I fear, And with malicious counsel stir them up Some way or other yet further to afflict thee. SAMSON He must allege some cause, and offer'd fight Will not dare mention, lest a question rise Whether he durst accept the offer or not, And that he durst not plain enough appear'd. Much more affliction than already felt They cannot well impose, nor I sustain; If they intend advantage of my labours, The work of many hands, which earns my keeping With no small profit daily to my owners. But come what will, my deadliest foe will prove My speediest friend, by death to rid me hence, The worst that he can give, to me the best. Yet so it may fall out, because their end Is hate, not help to me, it may with mine Draw their own ruin who attempt the deed. CHORUS Oh, how comely it is, and how reviving To the spirits of just men long oppress'd! When God into the hands of their deliverer Puts invincible might To quell the mighty of the earth, th' oppressor, The brute and boist'rous force of violent men Hardy and industrious to support Tyrannic power, but raging to pursue The righteous, and all such as honour truth; He all their ammunition And feats of war defeats, With plain heroic magnitude of mind And celestial vigour arm'd, Their armories and magazines contemns, Renders them useless, while With winged expedition, Swift as the light'ning glance, he executes His errand on the wicked, who surpris'd Lose their defence distracted and amaz'd. But patience is more oft the exercise Of saints, the trial of their fortitude, Making them each his own deliverer, And victor over all That tyranny or fortune can inflict: Either of these is in thy lot, Samson, with might endued Above the sons of men; but sight bercav'd May chance to number thee with those Whom patience finally must crown. This idol's day hath been to thee no day of rest, Labouring thy mind More than the working day thy hands. And yet perhaps more trouble is behind, For I descry this way Some other tending, in his hand A sceptre or quaint staff he bears, Comes on amain, speed in his look. By his habit I discern him now A public officer, and now at hand. His message will be short and voluble. OFFICER Hebrews, the pris'ner Samson here I seek. CHORUS His manacles remark him, there he sits. OFFICER Samson, to thee our lords thus bid me say; This day to Dagon is a solemn feast, With sacrifices, triumph, pomp, and games; Thy strength they know surpassing human rate, And now some public proof thereof require To honour this great feast and great assembly; Rise therefore with all speed and come along, Where I will see thee hearten'd and fresh clad T' appear as fits before th' illustrious lords. SAMSON Thou know'st I am an Hebrew, therefore tell them, Our law forbids at their religious rites My presence; for that cause I cannot come. OFFICER This answer, be assur'd, will not content them. SAMSON Have they not sword-players, and ev'ry sort Of gymnic artists, wrestlers, riders, runners, Jugglers, and dancers, antics, mummers, mimics, But they must pick me out, with shackles tir'd, And over-labour'd at their public mill, To make them sport with blind activity? Do they not seek occasion of new quarrels On my refusal to distress me more, Or make a game of my calamities? Return the way thou cam'st, I will not come. OFFICER Regard thyself, this will offend them highly. SAMSON Myself? my conscience and internal peace Can they think me so broken, so debas'd With corporal servitude, that my mind ever Will condescend to such absurd commands? Although their drudge, to be their fool or jester, And in my midst of sorrow and heart-grief To show them feats, and play before their God, The worst of all indignities, yet on me Join'd with extreme contempt? I will not come. OFFICER My message was impos'd on me with speed, Brooks no delay. Is this thy resolution? SAMSON So take it with what speed thy message needs. OFFICER I am sorry what this stoutness will produce. SAMSON Perhaps thou shalt have cause to sorrow indeed. CHORUS Consider, Samson, matters now are strain'd Up to the height, whether to hold or break. He's gone, and who knows how he may report Thy words by adding fuel to the flame? Expect another message more imperious, More lordly thund'ring than thou well wilt bear. SAMSON Shall I abuse this consecrated gift Of strenglh, again returning with my hair After my great transgression, so requite Favour renew'd, and add a greater sin By prostituting holy things to idols; A Nazarite in place abominable Vaunting my strength in honour to their Dagon? Besides, how vile, contemptible, ridiculous, What act more execrably unclean, profane? CHORUS Yet with this strength thou serv'st the Philistines? Idolatrous, uncircumcis'd, unclean. SAMSON Not in their idol-worship, but by labour Honest and lawful to deserve my food Of those who have me in their civil power. CHORUS Where the heart joins not, outward acts defile not. SAMSON Where outward force constrains, the sentence holds. But who constrains me to the temple of Dagon, Not dragging? the Philistian lords command. Commands are no constraints. If I obey them, I do it freely, vent'ring to displease God for the fear of man, and man prefer, Set God behind: which in his jealousy Shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness. Yet that he may dispense with me or thee Present in temples at idolatrous rites For some important cause, thou need'st not doubt. CHORUS How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach. SAMSON Be of good courage, I begin to feel Some rousing motions in me, which dispose To something extraordinary my thoughts. I with this messenger will go along, Nothing to do, be sure, that may dishonour Our law, or stain my vow of Nazarite. If there be aught of presage in the mind, This day will be remarkable in my life By some great act, or of my days the last. CHORUS In time thou hast resolved, the man returns. OFFICER Samson, this second message from our lords To thee I am bid say. Art thou our slave, Our captive, at the public mill our drudge, And dar'st thou at our sending and command Dispute thy coming? come without delay; Or we shall find such engines to assail And hamper thee, as thou shalt come of force, Though thou wert firmlier fasten'd than a rock. SAMSON I could be well content to try their art, Which to no few of them would prove pernicious. Yet knowing their advantages too many, Because they shall not trail me through their streets Like a wild beast, I am content to go. Masters' commands come with a power resistless To such as owe them absolute subjection; And for a life who will not change his purpose? So mutable are all the ways of men. Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply Scandalous or forbidden in our law. OFFICER I praise thy resolution: doff these links; By this compliance thou wilt win the lords To favour, and, perhaps, to set thee free. SAMSON Brethren, farewell; your company along I will not wish, lest it perhaps offend them To see me girt with friends; and how the sight Of me as of a common enemy, So dreaded once, may now exasperate them I know not. Lords are lordliest in their wine; And the well feasted priest then soonest fir'd With zeal, if aught religion seem concern'd; No less the people on their holy-days Impetuous, insolent, unquenchable: Happen what may, of me expect to hear Nothing dishonourable, impure, unworthy Our God, our law, my nation, or myself, The last of me or no I cannot warrant. CHORUS Go, and the Holy One Of Israel be thy guide To what may serve his glory best, and spread his name Great among the heathen round; Send thee the angel of thy birth, to stand Fast by thy side, who from thy father's field Rode up in flames after his message told Of thy conception, and be now a shield Of fire; that spirit that first rush'd on thee In the camp of Dan Be efficacious in thee now at need. For never was from heaven imparted Measure of strength so great to mortal seed, As in thy wondrous actions hath been seen. But wherefore comes old Manoah in such haste With youthful steps? much livelier than ere while He seems; supposing here to find his son, Or of him bringing to us some glad news? MANOAH Peace with you, brethren! my inducement hither Was not at present here to find my son, By order of the lords new parted hence, To come and play before them at their feast. I heard all as I came, the city rings, And numbers thither flock; I had no will, Lest I should see him forc'd to things unseemly. But that which mov'd my coming now was chiefly To give ye part with me what hope I have With good success to work his liberty. CHORUS That hope would much rejoice us to partake With thee; say, reverend Sire, we thirst to hear. MANOAH I have attempted one by one the lords Either at home or through the high street passing, With supplication prone and father's tears To accept of ransom for my son their pris'ner. Some much averse I found and wondrous harsh, Contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite; That part most reverenc'd Dagon and his priests: Others more moderate seeming, but their aim Private reward, for which both God and State They easily would set to sale: a third More generous far and civil, who conffess'd They had enough reveng'd, having reduc'd Their foe to misery beneath their fears, The rest was magnanimity to remit, If some convenient ransom were propos'd. What noise or shout was that? it tore the sky. CHORUS Doubtless the people shouting to behold Their once great dread, captive and blind before them, Or at some proof of strength before them shown. MANOAH His ransom, if my whole inheritance May compass it, shall willingly be paid And number'd down: much rather I shall choose To live the poorest in my tribe, than richest, And he in that calamitous prison left. No, I am fix'd not to part hence without him. For his redemption all my patrimony, If need be, I am ready to forego And quit: not wanting him, I shall want nothing. CHORUS Fathers are wont to lay up for their sons, Thou for thy son art bent to lay out all: Sons wont to nurse their parents in old age, Thou in old age car'st how to nurse thy son, Made older than thy age through eyesight lost. MANOAH It shall be my delight to tend his eyes, And view him sitting in the house, ennobled, With all those high exploits by him achiev'd, And on his shoulders waving down those locks, That of a nation arm'd the strength contain'd: And I persuade me God hath not permitted His strength again to grow up with his hair, Garrison'd round about him like a camp Of faithful soldiery, were not his purpose To use him further yet in some great service, Not to sit idle with so great a gift Useless, and thence ridiculous, about him. And since his strength with eyesight was not lost, God will restore him eyesight to his strength. CHORUS Thy hopes are not ill founded nor seem vain Of his delivery, and thy joy thereon Conceiv'd, agreeable to a father's love, In both which we, as next, participate. MANOAH I know your friendly minds, and - O what noise! Mercy of heav'n, what hideous noise was that? Horribly loud, unlike the former shout. CHORUS Noise call you it or universal groan, As if the whole inhabitation perish'd! Blood, death, and deathful deeds are in that noise, Ruin, destruction at the utmost point. MANOAH Of ruin indeed methought I heard the noise: Oh it continues, they have slain my son. CHORUS Thy son is rather slaying them, that outcry From slaughter of one foe could not ascend. MANOAH Some dismal accident it needs must be; What shall we do, stay here, or run and see? CHORUS Best keep together here, lest running thither We unawares run into danger's mouth. This evil on the Philistines is fall'n; From whom could else a general cry be heard? The sufferers then will scarce molest us here, From other hands we need not much to fear. What if his eyesight, for to Israel's God Nothing is hard, by miracle restor'd, He now be dealing dole among his foes, And over heaps of slaughter'd walk his way? MANOAH That were a joy presumptuous to be thought. CHORUS Yet God hath wrought things as incredible For his people of old; what hinders now? MANOAH He can, I know, but doubt to think he will; Yet hope would fain subscribe, and tempts belief. A little stay will bring some notice hither. CHORUS Of good or bad so great, of bad the sooner; For evil news rides post, while good news baits. And to our wish I see one hither speeding, An Hebrew, as I guess, and of our tribe. MESSENGER O whither shall I run, or which way fly The sight of this so horrid spectacle, Which erst my eyes beheld, and yet behold? For dire imagination still pursues me. But providence or instinct of nature seems, Or reason though disturb'd, and scarce consulted, To have guided me aright, I know not how, To thee first, reverend Manoah, and to these My countrymen, whom here I knew remaining, As at some distance from the place of horror, So in the sad event too much concern'd. MANOAH The accident was loud, and here before thee With rueful cry, yet what it was we hear not; No preface needs, thou seest we long to know. MESSENGER It would burst forth, but I recover breath And sense distract, to know well what I utter. MANOAH Tell us the sum, the circumstance defer. MESSENGER Gaza yet stands, but all her sons are fall'n, All in a moment overwhelm'd and fall'n. MANOAH Sad; but thou know'st to Israelites not saddest The desolation of a hostile city. MESSENGER Feed on that first, there may in grief be surfeit. MANOAH Relate by whom. MESSENGER By Samson. MANOAH That still lessens The sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy. MESSENGER Ah! Manoah, I refrain too suddenly To utter what will come at last too soon; Lest evil tidings with too rude irruption Hitting thy aged ear should pierce too deep. MANOAH Suspense in news is torture, speak them out. MESSENGER Take then the worst in brief, Samson is dead. MANOAH The worst indeed. O! all my hopes defeated To free him hence! but death, who sets all free, Hath paid his ransom now and full discharge. What windy joy this day had I conceiv'd Hopeful of his delivery, which now proves Abortive as the first-born bloom of spring Nipt with the lagging rear of winter's frost! Yet ere I give the reins to grief, say first, How died he; death to life is crown or shame. All by him fell thou say'st, by whom fell he? What glorious hand gave Samson his death's wound? MESSENGER Unwounded of his enemies he fell. MANOAH Wearied with slaughter then, or how? explain. MESSENGER By his own hands. MANOAH Self-violence? what cause Brought him so soon at variance with himself Among his foes? MESSENGER Inevitable cause At once both to destroy and be destroy'd; The edifice, where all were met to see him, Upon their heads and on his own he pull'd. MANOAH O lastly over-strong against thyself! A dreadful way thou took'st to thy revenge. More than enough we know; but, while things yet Are in confusion, give us, if thou can'st, Eye-witness of what first or last was done, Relation more particular and distinct. MESSENGER Occasions drew me early to this city, And as the gates I enter'd with sun-rise, The morning trumpets festival proclaim'd Through each high-street. Little I had dispatch'd When all abroad was rumour'd, that this day Samson should be brought forth to show the people Proof of his mighty strength in feats and games; I sorrow'd at his captive state, but minded Not to be absent at that spectacle. The building was a spacious theatre, Half-round, on two main pillars vaulted high, With seats, where all the lords and each degree Of sort might sit in order to behold; The other side was open, where the throng On banks and scaffolds under sky might stand; I among these aloof obscurely stood. The feast and noon grew high, and sacrifice Had fill'd their hearts with mirth, high cheer, and wine, When to their sports they turn'd. Immediately Was Samson as a public servant brought, In their state livery clad; before him pipes And timbrels, on each side went armed guards, Both horse and foot, before him and behind Archers, and slingers, cataphracts, and spears. At sight of him the people with a shout Rifted the air, clamouring their God with praise, Who had made their dreadful enemy their thrall. He patient, but undaunted, where they led him, Came to the place, and what was set before him, Which without help of eye might be assay'd, To heave, pull, draw, or break, he still perform'd All with incredible stupendous force, None daring to appear antagonist. At length for intermission sake they led him Between the pillars; he his guide requested, For so from such as nearer stood we heard, As over-tir'd to let him lean awhile With both his arms on those two massy pillars, That to the arched roof gave main support. He unsuspicious led him; which when Samson Felt in his arms, with head awhile inclin'd, And eyes fast fixt he stood, as one who pray'd, Or some great matter in his mind revolv'd: At last with head erect thus cried aloud, Hitherto, lords, what your commands impos'd I have perform'd, as reason was, obeying, Not without wonder or delight beheld: Now of my own accord such other trial I mean to show you of my strength, yet greater; As with amaze shall strike all who behold. This utter'd, straining all his nerves he bow'd, As with the force of winds and waters pent When mountains tremble, those two massy pillars With horrible convulsion to and fro He tugg'd, he shook, till down they came and drew The whole roof after them, with burst of thunder Upon the heads of all who sat beneath, Lords, ladies, captains, counsellors, or priests, Their choice nobility and flower, not only Of this, but each Philistian city round, Met from all parts to solemnize this feast. Samson, with these immixt, inevitably Pull'd down the same destruction on himself; The vulgar only scap'd who stood without. CHORUS O dearly bought revenge, yet glorious! Living or dying thou hast fulfill'd The work for which thou wast foretold To Israel, and now liest victorious Among thy slain, self-kill'd Not willingly, but tangled in the fold Of dire necessity, whose law in death conjoin'd Thee with thy slaughter'd foes in number more Than all thy life had slain before. 1st SEMICHORUS While their hearts were jocund and sublime, Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine, And fat regorg'd of bulls and goats, Chanting their idol, and preferring Before our living Dread who dwells In Silo his bright sanctuary: Among them he a spirit of frenzy sent, Who hurt their minds, And urged them on with mad desire To call in haste for their destroyer; They, only set on sport and play, Unweetingly importun'd Their own destruction to come speedy upon them. So fond are mortal men Fall'n into wrath divine, As their own ruin on themselves to invite, Insensate left, or to sense reprobate, And with blindness internal struck. 2nd SEMICHORUS But he, though blind of sight, Despis'd and thought extinguish'd quite, With inward eyes illuminated, His fiery virtue rous'd From under ashes into sudden flame, And as an ev'ning dragon came, Assailant on the perched roosts And nests in order rang'd Of tame villatic fowl; but as an eagle His cloudless thunder bolted on their heads. So virtue given for lost, Depress'd, and overthrown, as seem'd, Like that self-begotten bird In the Arabian woods imbost, That no second knows nor third, And lay ere while a holocaust, From out her ashy womb now teem'd, Revives, reflourishes, then vigorous most When most unactive deem'd, And though her body die, her fame survives A secular bird ages of lives. MANOAH Come, come, no time for lamentation now, Nor much more cause: Samson hath quit himself Like Samson, and heroically hath finish'd A life heroic, on his enemies Fully reveng'd, hath left them years of mourning, And lamentation to the sons of Caphtor Through all Philistian bounds. To Israel Honour hath left and freedom, let but them Find courage to lay hold on this occasion, To himself and father's house eternal fame; And, which is best and happiest yet, all this With God not parted from him, as was fear'd, But favouring and assisting to the end. 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. Let us go find the body where it lies Soak'd in his enemies' blood, and from the stream With lavers pure and cleansing herbs wash The clotted gore. I with what speed the while, Gaza is not in plight to say us nay, Will send for all my kindred, all my friends, To fetch him hence, and solemnly attend With silent obsequy and funeral train Home to his father's house: there will I build him A monument, and plant it round with shade Of laurel ever green, and branching palm, With all his trophies hung, and acts inroll'd In copious legend, or sweet lyric song. Thither shall all the valiant youth resort, And from his memory inflame their breasts To matchless valour and adventures high: The virgins also shall on feastful days Visit his tomb with flowers, only bewailing His lot unfortunate in nuptial choice, From whence captivity and loss of eyes. CHORUS All is best, though we oft doubt, What th' unsearchable dispose Of highest wisdom brings about, And ever best found in the close. Oft he seems to hide his face, But unexpectedly returns, And to his faithful champion hath in place Bore witness gloriously; whence Gaza mourns And all that band them to resist His uncontrollable intent: His servants he, with new acquist Of true experience from this great event, With peace and consolation hath dismiss'd, And calm of mind, all passion spent.