Chapter 12

Harapha.With thee, a man condemned, a slave enrolled,Due by the law to capital punishment?1225To 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 informed;But take good heed my hand survey not thee.1230Harapha.O Baal-zebub! can my ears unusedHear these dishonours, and not render death?Samson.No man withholds thee; nothing from thy handFear I incurable; bring up thy van;My heels are fettered, but my fist is free.1235Harapha.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,1240To the hazard of thy brains and shattered sides.Harapha.By Astaroth, ere long thou shalt lamentThese braveries in irons loaden on thee.Chorus.His giantship is gone somewhat crest-fallen,Stalking with less unconscionable strides,1245And 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,1250And with malicious counsel stir them upSome way or other yet further to afflict thee.Samson.He must allege some cause, and offered fightWill not dare mention, lest a question riseWhether he durst accept the offer or not;1255And that he durst not plain enough appeared.Much more affliction than already feltThey cannot well impose, nor I sustain,If they intend advantage of my labours,The work of many hands, which earns my keeping,1260With no small profit daily to my owners.But come what will, my deadliest foe will proveMy 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 end1265Is hate, not help to me, it may with mineDraw their own ruin who attempt the deed.Chorus.Oh how comely it is, and how revivingTo the spirits of just men long oppressed,When God into the hands of their deliverer1270Puts invincible might,To quell the mighty of the earth, the oppressor,The brute and boisterous force of violent men,Hardy and industrious to support.Tyrannic power, but raging to pursue1275The righteous, and all such as honour truth!He all their ammunitionAnd feats of war defeats,With plain heroic magnitude of mindAnd celestial vigour armed;1280Their armories and magazines contemns,Renders them useless, whileWith wingèd expeditionSwift as the lightning glance he executesHis errand on the wicked, who, surprised,1285Lose their defence, distracted and amazed.But patience is more oft the exerciseOf saints, the trial of their fortitude,Making them each his own deliverer,And victor over all1290That tyranny or fortune can inflict.Either of these is in thy lot,Samson, with might enduedAbove the sons of men; but sight bereavedMay chance to number thee with those1295Whom patience finally must crown.This Idol's day hath been to thee no day of rest,Labouring thy mindMore than the working day thy hands.And yet perhaps more trouble is behind;1300For I descry this waySome other tending; in his handA sceptre or quaint staff he bears,Comes on amain, speed in his look.By his habit I discern him now1305A public officer, and now at hand.His message will be short and voluble.Officer.Ebrews, the prisoner Samson here I seek.Chorus.His manacles remark him; there he sits.Officer.Samson, to thee our lords thus bid me say:1310This 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 requireTo honour this great feast, and great assembly.1315Rise, therefore, with all speed, and come along,Where I will see thee heartened and fresh clad,To appear as fits before the illustrious lords.Samson.Thou know'st I am an Ebrew; therefore tell themOur Law forbids at their religious rites1320My presence; for that cause I cannot come.Officer.This answer, be assured, will not content them.Samson.Have they not sword-players, and every sortOf gymnic artists, wrestlers, riders, runners,Jugglers and dancers, antics, mummers, mimics,1325But they must pick me out, with shackles tired,And over-laboured 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,1330Or 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 debased1335With corporal servitude, that my mind everWill 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—1340The worst of all indignities, yet on meJoined with extreme contempt! I will not come.Officer.My message was imposed on me with speed,Brooks no delay: is this thy resolution?Samson.So take it with what speed thy message needs.1345Officer.I am sorry what this stoutness will produce.Samson.Perhaps thou shalt have cause to sorrow indeed.Chorus.Consider, Samson; matters now are strainedUp to the highth, whether to hold or break.He's gone, and who knows how he may report1350Thy words by adding fuel to the flame?Expect another message more imperious,More lordly thundering than thou well wilt bear.Samson.Shall I abuse this consecrated giftOf strength, again returning with my hair1355After my great transgression? so requiteFavour renewed, and add a greater sinBy prostituting holy things to idols,A Nazarite, in place abominable,Vaunting my strength in honour to their Dagon?1360Besides how vile, contemptible, ridiculous,What act more execrably unclean, profane?Chorus.Yet with this strength thou serv'st the Philistines,Idolatrous, uncircumcised, unclean.Samson.Not in their idol-worship, but by labour1365Honest and lawful to deserve my foodOf 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,1370Not dragging? the Philistian lords command:Commands are no constraints. If I obey them,I do it freely, venturing to displeaseGod for the fear of man, and man prefer,Set God behind; which, in his jealousy,1375Shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness.Yet that he may dispense with me, or thee,Present in temples at idolatrous ritesFor some important cause, thou need'st not doubt.Chorus.How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach.1380Samson.Be of good courage; I begin to feelSome rousing motions in me, which disposeTo something extraordinary my thoughts.I with this messenger will go along,Nothing to do, be sure, that may dishonour1385Our Law, or stain my vow of Nazarite.If there be aught of presage in the mind,This day will be remarkable in my lifeBy some great act, or of my days the last.Chorus.In time thou hast resolved: the man returns.1390Officer.Samson, this second message from our lordsTo 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;1395Or we shall find such engines to assailAnd hamper thee, as thou shalt come of force,Though thou wert firmlier fastened than a rock.Samson.I could be well content to try their art,Which to no few of them would prove pernicious;1400Yet, knowing their advantages too many,Because they shall not trail me through their streetsLike a wild beast, I am content to go.—Masters' commands come with a power resistlessTo such as owe them absolute subjection;1405And for a life who will not change his purpose?So mutable are all the ways of men.—Yet this be sure, in nothing to complyScandalous or forbidden in our Law.Officer.I praise thy resolution. Doff these links:1410By this compliance thou wilt win the lordsTo favour, and perhaps to set thee free.Samson.Brethren, farewell. Your company alongI will not wish, lest it perhaps offend themTo see me girt with friends; and how the sight1415Of 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 firedWith zeal, if aught religion seem concerned;1420No less the people, on their holy-days,Impetuous, insolent, unquenchable.Happen what may, of me expect to hearNothing dishonourable, impure, unworthyOur God, our Law, my nation, or myself;1425The last of me or no I cannot warrant.Chorus.Go, and the Holy OneOf Israel be thy guideTo what may serve his glory best, and spread his nameGreat among the Heathen round;1430Send thee the Angel of thy birth, to standFast by thy side, who from thy father's fieldRode up in flames after his message toldOf thy conception, and be now a shieldOf fire; that Spirit, that first rushed on thee1435In the camp of Dan,Be efficacious in thee now at need!For never was from Heaven impartedMeasure of strength so great to mortal seed,As in thy wondrous actions hath been seen.1440But wherefore comes old Manoa in such hasteWith youthful steps? much livelier than ere whileHe seems: supposing here to find his son,Or of him bringing to us some glad news?Manoa.Peace with you, brethren! My inducement hither1445Was not at present here to find my son,By order of the lords new parted henceTo 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,1450Lest I should see him forced to things unseemly.But that which moved my coming now, was chieflyTo give ye part with me what hope I haveWith good success to work his liberty.Chorus.That hope would much rejoice us to partake1455With thee. Say, reverend sire; we thirst to hear.Manoa.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 prisoner.1460Some much averse I found, and wondrous harsh,Contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite;That part most reverenced Dagon and his priests;Others more moderate seeming, but their aimPrivate reward, for which both God and State1465They easily would set to sale; a thirdMore generous far and civil, who confessedThey had enough revenged, having reducedTheir foe to misery beneath their fears;The rest was magnanimity to remit,1470If some convenient ransom were proposed.What noise or shout was that? it tore the sky.Chorus.Doubtless the people shouting to beholdTheir once great dread, captive and blind before them,Or at some proof of strength before them shown.1475Manoa.His ransom, if my whole inheritanceMay compass it, shall willingly be paidAnd numbered down. Much rather I shall chooseTo live the poorest in my tribe, than richest,And he in that calamitous prison left.1480No, I am fixed not to part hence without him.For his redemption all my patrimony,If need be, I am ready to forgoAnd quit. Not wanting him, I shall want nothing.Chorus.Fathers are wont to lay up for their sons;1485Thou 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 eye-sight lost.Manoa.It shall be my delight to tend his eyes,1490And view him sitting in the house, ennobledWith all those high exploits by him achieved,And on his shoulders waving down those locksThat of a nation armed the strength contained.And I persuade me, God had not permitted1495His strength again to grow up with his hairGarrisoned round about him like a campOf faithful soldiery, were not his purposeTo use him further yet in some great service—Not to sit idle with so great a gift1500Useless, and thence ridiculous, about him.And since his strength with eye-sight was not lost,God will restore him eye-sight to his strength.Chorus.Thy hopes are not ill founded, nor seem vain,Of his delivery, and thy joy thereon1505Conceived, agreeable to a father's love,In both which we, as next, participate.Manoa.I know your friendly minds and . . . oh, what noise!Mercy of Heaven! what hideous noise was that?Horribly loud, unlike the former shout.1510Chorus.Noise call you it, or universal groan,As if the whole inhabitation perished!Blood, death, and deathful deeds, are in that noise,Ruin, destruction at the utmost point.Manoa.Of ruin indeed methought I heard the noise.1515Oh, it continues; they have slain my son!Chorus.Thy son is rather slaying them; that outcryFrom slaughter of one foe could not ascend.Manoa.Some dismal accident it needs must be.What shall we do—stay here or run and see?1520Chorus.Best keep together here, lest, running thither,We unawares run into danger's mouth.This evil on the Philistines is fallen;From whom could else a general cry be heard?The sufferers then will scarce molest us here;1525From other hands we need not much to fear.What if, his eye-sight (for to Israel's GodNothing is hard) by miracle restored,He now be dealing dole among his foes,And over heaps of slaughtered walk his way?1530Manoa.That were a joy presumptuous to be thought.Chorus.Yet God hath wrought things as incredibleFor his people of old; what hinders now?Manoa.He can, I know, but doubt to think he will;Yet hope would fain subscribe, and tempts belief.1535A 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 Ebrew, as I guess, and of our tribe.1540Messenger.Oh, whither shall I run, or which way flyThe 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,1545Or reason, though disturbed, and scarce consulted,To have guided me aright, I know not how,To thee first, reverend Manoa, and to theseMy countrymen, whom here I knew remaining,As at some distance from the place of horror,1550So in the sad event too much concerned.Manoa.The accident was loud, and here before theeWith 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,1555And sense distract, to know well what I utter.Manoa.Tell us the sum, the circumstance defer.Messenger.Gaza yet stands, but all her sons are fallen,All in a moment overwhelmed and fallen.Manoa.Sad! but thou know'st to Israelites not saddest1560The desolation of a hostile city.Messenger.Feed on that first, there may in grief be surfeit.Manoa.Relate by whom.Messenger.By Samson.Manoa.That still lessensThe sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.Messenger.Ah! Manoa, I refrain too suddenly1565To utter what will come at last too soon,Lest evil tidings, with too rude irruptionHitting thy aged ear, should pierce too deep.Manoa.Suspense in news is torture; speak them out.Messenger.Take then the worst in brief: Samson is dead.1570Manoa.The worst indeed! oh, all my hope's defeatedTo free him hence! but Death who sets all freeHath paid his ransom now and full discharge.What windy joy this day had I conceived,Hopeful of his delivery, which now proves1575Abortive as the first-born bloom of springNipt with the lagging rear of winter's frost!Yet, ere I give the reins to grief, say firstHow died he; death to life is crown or shame.All by him fell, thou say'st; by whom fell he?1580What glorious hand gave Samson his death's wound?Messenger.Unwounded of his enemies he fell.Manoa.Wearied with slaughter, then, or how? explain.Messenger.By his own hands.Manoa.Self-violence? what causeBrought him so soon at variance with himself1585Among his foes?Messenger.Inevitable cause—At once both to destroy and be destroyed.The edifice, where all were met to see him,Upon their heads and on his own he pulled.Manoa.Oh, lastly over-strong against thyself!1590A dreadful way thou took'st to thy revenge.More than enough we know; but, while things yetAre in confusion, give us, if thou canst,Eye-witness of what first or last was done,Relation more particular and distinct.1595Messenger.Occasions drew me early to this city,And, as the gates I entered with sun-rise,The morning trumpets festival proclaimedThrough each high street. Little I had dispatched,When all abroad was rumoured that this day1600Samson should be brought forth, to show the peopleProof of his mighty strength in feats and games.I sorrowed at his captive state, but mindedNot to be absent at that spectacle.The building was a spacious theatre,1605Half-round, on two main pillars vaulted high,With seats where all the lords, and each degreeOf sort, might sit in order to behold;The other side was open, where the throngOn banks and scaffolds under sky might stand;1610I among these aloof obscurely stood.The feast and noon grew high, and sacrificeHad filled their hearts with mirth, high cheer, and wine,When to their sports they turned. ImmediatelyWas Samson as a public servant brought,1615In their state livery clad; before him pipesAnd timbrels; on each side went armèd guards,Both horse and foot; before him and behindArchers and slingers, cataphracts and spears.At sight of him the people with a shout1620Rifted 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 assayed,1625To heave, pull, draw, or break, he still performedAll with incredible, stupendious force,None daring to appear antagonist.At length, for intermission sake, they led himBetween the pillars; he his guide requested1630(For so from such as nearer stood we heard),As over-tired, to let him lean a whileWith both his arms on those two massy pillars,That to the archèd roof gave main support.He unsuspicious led him; which when Samson1635Felt in his arms, with head a while inclined,And eyes fast fixed, he stood, as one who prayed,Or some great matter in his mind revolved.At last, with head erect, thus cried aloud:'Hitherto, Lords, what your commands imposed1640I have performed, as reason was, obeying,Not without wonder or delight beheld;Now of my own accord such other trialI mean to show you of my strength, yet greater,As with amaze shall strike all who behold.'1645This uttered, straining all his nerves, he bowed;As with the force of winds and waters pentWhen mountains tremble, those two massy pillarsWith horrible convulsion to and froHe tugged, he shook, till down they came, and drew1650The 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 onlyOf this, but each Philistian city round,1655Met from all parts to solemnize this feast.Samson, with these immixed, inevitablyPulled down the same destruction on himself;The vulgar only scaped, who stood without.Chorus.Oh, dearly-bought revenge, yet glorious!1660Living or dying thou hast fulfilledThe work for which thou wast foretoldTo Israel, and now liest victoriousAmong thy slain self-killed;Not willingly, but tangled in the fold1665Of dire Necessity, whose law in death conjoinedThee with thy slaughtered foes, in number moreThan all thy life had slain before.Semichorus.While their hearts were jocund and sublime,Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine,1670And fat regorged of bulls and goats,Chaunting their idol, and preferringBefore our living Dread, who dwellsIn Silo, his bright sanctuary,Among them he a spirit of phrenzy sent,1675Who hurt their minds,And urged them on with mad desireTo call in haste for their destroyer.They, only set on sport and play,Unweetingly importuned1680Their own destruction to come speedy upon them.So fond are mortal men,Fallen into wrath divine,As their own ruin on themselves to invite,Insensate left, or to sense reprobate,1685And with blindness internal struck.Semichorus.But he, though blind of sight,Despised, and thought extinguished quite,With inward eyes illuminated,His fiery virtue roused1690From under ashes into sudden flame,And as an evening dragon came,Assailant on the perchèd roostsAnd nests in order rangedOf tame villatic fowl, but as an eagle1695His cloudless thunder bolted on their heads.So Virtue, given for lost,Depressed and overthrown, as seemed,Like that self-begotten bird,In the Arabian woods embost,1700That no second knows nor third,And lay erewhile a holocaust,From out her ashy womb now teemed,Revives, reflourishes, then vigorous mostWhen most unactive deemed;1705And, though her body die, her fame survives,A secular bird, ages of lives.Manoa.Come, come; no time for lamentation now,Nor much more cause. Samson hath quit himselfLike Samson, and heroicly hath finished1710A life heroic, on his enemiesFully revenged; hath left them years of mourning,And lamentation to the sons of CaphtorThrough all Philistian bounds; to IsraelHonour hath left and freedom, let but them1715Find courage to lay hold on this occasion;To himself and father's house eternal fame;And, which is best and happiest yet, all thisWith God not parted from him, as was feared,But favouring and assisting to the end.1720Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wailOr 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 lies1725Soaked in his enemies' blood, and from the streamWith lavers pure, and cleansing herbs, wash offThe 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,1730To fetch him hence, and solemnly attend,With silent obsequy and funeral train,Home to his father's house. There will I build himA monument, and plant it round with shadeOf laurel ever green, and branching palm,1735With all his trophies hung, and acts enrolledIn copious legend, or sweet lyric song.Thither shall all the valiant youth resort,And from his memory inflame their breastsTo matchless valour, and adventures high;1740The virgins also shall, on feastful days,Visit his tomb with flowers, only bewailingHis lot unfortunate in nuptial choice,From whence captivity and loss of eyes.Chorus.All is best, though we oft doubt,1745What the unsearchable disposeOf Highest Wisdom brings about,And ever best found in the close.Oft He seems to hide his face,But unexpectedly returns,1750And to his faithful champion hath in placeBore witness gloriously; whence Gaza mourns,And all that band them to resistHis uncontrollable intent.His servants He, with new acquist1755Of true experience from this great event,With peace and consolation hath dismissed,And calm of mind, all passion spent.

Harapha.With thee, a man condemned, a slave enrolled,Due by the law to capital punishment?1225To fight with thee no man of arms will deign.

Harapha.With thee, a man condemned, a slave enrolled,

Due by the law to capital punishment?1225

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 informed;But take good heed my hand survey not thee.1230

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 informed;

But take good heed my hand survey not thee.1230

Harapha.O Baal-zebub! can my ears unusedHear these dishonours, and not render death?

Harapha.O Baal-zebub! can my ears unused

Hear these dishonours, and not render death?

Samson.No man withholds thee; nothing from thy handFear I incurable; bring up thy van;My heels are fettered, but my fist is free.1235

Samson.No man withholds thee; nothing from thy hand

Fear I incurable; bring up thy van;

My heels are fettered, but my fist is free.1235

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,1240To the hazard of thy brains and shattered sides.

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,1240

To the hazard of thy brains and shattered sides.

Harapha.By Astaroth, ere long thou shalt lamentThese braveries in irons loaden on thee.

Harapha.By Astaroth, ere long thou shalt lament

These braveries in irons loaden on thee.

Chorus.His giantship is gone somewhat crest-fallen,Stalking with less unconscionable strides,1245And lower looks, but in a sultry chafe.

Chorus.His giantship is gone somewhat crest-fallen,

Stalking with less unconscionable strides,1245

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.

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,1250And with malicious counsel stir them upSome way or other yet further to afflict thee.

Chorus.He will directly to the lords, I fear,1250

And with malicious counsel stir them up

Some way or other yet further to afflict thee.

Samson.He must allege some cause, and offered fightWill not dare mention, lest a question riseWhether he durst accept the offer or not;1255And that he durst not plain enough appeared.Much more affliction than already feltThey cannot well impose, nor I sustain,If they intend advantage of my labours,The work of many hands, which earns my keeping,1260With no small profit daily to my owners.But come what will, my deadliest foe will proveMy 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 end1265Is hate, not help to me, it may with mineDraw their own ruin who attempt the deed.

Samson.He must allege some cause, and offered fight

Will not dare mention, lest a question rise

Whether he durst accept the offer or not;1255

And that he durst not plain enough appeared.

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,1260

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 end1265

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 revivingTo the spirits of just men long oppressed,When God into the hands of their deliverer1270Puts invincible might,To quell the mighty of the earth, the oppressor,The brute and boisterous force of violent men,Hardy and industrious to support.Tyrannic power, but raging to pursue1275The righteous, and all such as honour truth!He all their ammunitionAnd feats of war defeats,With plain heroic magnitude of mindAnd celestial vigour armed;1280Their armories and magazines contemns,Renders them useless, whileWith wingèd expeditionSwift as the lightning glance he executesHis errand on the wicked, who, surprised,1285Lose their defence, distracted and amazed.But patience is more oft the exerciseOf saints, the trial of their fortitude,Making them each his own deliverer,And victor over all1290That tyranny or fortune can inflict.Either of these is in thy lot,Samson, with might enduedAbove the sons of men; but sight bereavedMay chance to number thee with those1295Whom patience finally must crown.This Idol's day hath been to thee no day of rest,Labouring thy mindMore than the working day thy hands.And yet perhaps more trouble is behind;1300For I descry this waySome other tending; in his handA sceptre or quaint staff he bears,Comes on amain, speed in his look.By his habit I discern him now1305A public officer, and now at hand.His message will be short and voluble.

Chorus.Oh how comely it is, and how reviving

To the spirits of just men long oppressed,

When God into the hands of their deliverer1270

Puts invincible might,

To quell the mighty of the earth, the oppressor,

The brute and boisterous force of violent men,

Hardy and industrious to support.

Tyrannic power, but raging to pursue1275

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 armed;1280

Their armories and magazines contemns,

Renders them useless, while

With wingèd expedition

Swift as the lightning glance he executes

His errand on the wicked, who, surprised,1285

Lose their defence, distracted and amazed.

But patience is more oft the exercise

Of saints, the trial of their fortitude,

Making them each his own deliverer,

And victor over all1290

That tyranny or fortune can inflict.

Either of these is in thy lot,

Samson, with might endued

Above the sons of men; but sight bereaved

May chance to number thee with those1295

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;1300

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 now1305

A public officer, and now at hand.

His message will be short and voluble.

Officer.Ebrews, the prisoner Samson here I seek.

Chorus.His manacles remark him; there he sits.

Officer.Samson, to thee our lords thus bid me say:1310This 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 requireTo honour this great feast, and great assembly.1315Rise, therefore, with all speed, and come along,Where I will see thee heartened and fresh clad,To appear as fits before the illustrious lords.

Officer.Samson, to thee our lords thus bid me say:1310

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.1315

Rise, therefore, with all speed, and come along,

Where I will see thee heartened and fresh clad,

To appear as fits before the illustrious lords.

Samson.Thou know'st I am an Ebrew; therefore tell themOur Law forbids at their religious rites1320My presence; for that cause I cannot come.

Samson.Thou know'st I am an Ebrew; therefore tell them

Our Law forbids at their religious rites1320

My presence; for that cause I cannot come.

Officer.This answer, be assured, will not content them.

Samson.Have they not sword-players, and every sortOf gymnic artists, wrestlers, riders, runners,Jugglers and dancers, antics, mummers, mimics,1325But they must pick me out, with shackles tired,And over-laboured 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,1330Or make a game of my calamities?Return the way thou cam'st; I will not come.

Samson.Have they not sword-players, and every sort

Of gymnic artists, wrestlers, riders, runners,

Jugglers and dancers, antics, mummers, mimics,1325

But they must pick me out, with shackles tired,

And over-laboured 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,1330

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 debased1335With corporal servitude, that my mind everWill 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—1340The worst of all indignities, yet on meJoined with extreme contempt! I will not come.

Samson.Myself? my conscience and internal peace.

Can they think me so broken, so debased1335

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—1340

The worst of all indignities, yet on me

Joined with extreme contempt! I will not come.

Officer.My message was imposed on me with speed,Brooks no delay: is this thy resolution?

Officer.My message was imposed on me with speed,

Brooks no delay: is this thy resolution?

Samson.So take it with what speed thy message needs.1345

Officer.I am sorry what this stoutness will produce.

Samson.Perhaps thou shalt have cause to sorrow indeed.

Chorus.Consider, Samson; matters now are strainedUp to the highth, whether to hold or break.He's gone, and who knows how he may report1350Thy words by adding fuel to the flame?Expect another message more imperious,More lordly thundering than thou well wilt bear.

Chorus.Consider, Samson; matters now are strained

Up to the highth, whether to hold or break.

He's gone, and who knows how he may report1350

Thy words by adding fuel to the flame?

Expect another message more imperious,

More lordly thundering than thou well wilt bear.

Samson.Shall I abuse this consecrated giftOf strength, again returning with my hair1355After my great transgression? so requiteFavour renewed, and add a greater sinBy prostituting holy things to idols,A Nazarite, in place abominable,Vaunting my strength in honour to their Dagon?1360Besides how vile, contemptible, ridiculous,What act more execrably unclean, profane?

Samson.Shall I abuse this consecrated gift

Of strength, again returning with my hair1355

After my great transgression? so requite

Favour renewed, and add a greater sin

By prostituting holy things to idols,

A Nazarite, in place abominable,

Vaunting my strength in honour to their Dagon?1360

Besides how vile, contemptible, ridiculous,

What act more execrably unclean, profane?

Chorus.Yet with this strength thou serv'st the Philistines,Idolatrous, uncircumcised, unclean.

Chorus.Yet with this strength thou serv'st the Philistines,

Idolatrous, uncircumcised, unclean.

Samson.Not in their idol-worship, but by labour1365Honest and lawful to deserve my foodOf those who have me in their civil power.

Samson.Not in their idol-worship, but by labour1365

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,1370Not dragging? the Philistian lords command:Commands are no constraints. If I obey them,I do it freely, venturing to displeaseGod for the fear of man, and man prefer,Set God behind; which, in his jealousy,1375Shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness.Yet that he may dispense with me, or thee,Present in temples at idolatrous ritesFor some important cause, thou need'st not doubt.

Samson.Where outward force constrains, the sentence holds.

But who constrains me to the temple of Dagon,1370

Not dragging? the Philistian lords command:

Commands are no constraints. If I obey them,

I do it freely, venturing to displease

God for the fear of man, and man prefer,

Set God behind; which, in his jealousy,1375

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.1380

Samson.Be of good courage; I begin to feelSome rousing motions in me, which disposeTo something extraordinary my thoughts.I with this messenger will go along,Nothing to do, be sure, that may dishonour1385Our Law, or stain my vow of Nazarite.If there be aught of presage in the mind,This day will be remarkable in my lifeBy some great act, or of my days the last.

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 dishonour1385

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.1390

Officer.Samson, this second message from our lordsTo 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;1395Or we shall find such engines to assailAnd hamper thee, as thou shalt come of force,Though thou wert firmlier fastened than a rock.

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;1395

Or we shall find such engines to assail

And hamper thee, as thou shalt come of force,

Though thou wert firmlier fastened than a rock.

Samson.I could be well content to try their art,Which to no few of them would prove pernicious;1400Yet, knowing their advantages too many,Because they shall not trail me through their streetsLike a wild beast, I am content to go.—Masters' commands come with a power resistlessTo such as owe them absolute subjection;1405And for a life who will not change his purpose?So mutable are all the ways of men.—Yet this be sure, in nothing to complyScandalous or forbidden in our Law.

Samson.I could be well content to try their art,

Which to no few of them would prove pernicious;1400

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;1405

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:1410By this compliance thou wilt win the lordsTo favour, and perhaps to set thee free.

Officer.I praise thy resolution. Doff these links:1410

By this compliance thou wilt win the lords

To favour, and perhaps to set thee free.

Samson.Brethren, farewell. Your company alongI will not wish, lest it perhaps offend themTo see me girt with friends; and how the sight1415Of 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 firedWith zeal, if aught religion seem concerned;1420No less the people, on their holy-days,Impetuous, insolent, unquenchable.Happen what may, of me expect to hearNothing dishonourable, impure, unworthyOur God, our Law, my nation, or myself;1425The last of me or no I cannot warrant.

Samson.Brethren, farewell. Your company along

I will not wish, lest it perhaps offend them

To see me girt with friends; and how the sight1415

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 fired

With zeal, if aught religion seem concerned;1420

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;1425

The last of me or no I cannot warrant.

Chorus.Go, and the Holy OneOf Israel be thy guideTo what may serve his glory best, and spread his nameGreat among the Heathen round;1430Send thee the Angel of thy birth, to standFast by thy side, who from thy father's fieldRode up in flames after his message toldOf thy conception, and be now a shieldOf fire; that Spirit, that first rushed on thee1435In the camp of Dan,Be efficacious in thee now at need!For never was from Heaven impartedMeasure of strength so great to mortal seed,As in thy wondrous actions hath been seen.1440But wherefore comes old Manoa in such hasteWith youthful steps? much livelier than ere whileHe seems: supposing here to find his son,Or of him bringing to us some glad news?

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;1430

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 rushed on thee1435

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.1440

But wherefore comes old Manoa 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?

Manoa.Peace with you, brethren! My inducement hither1445Was not at present here to find my son,By order of the lords new parted henceTo 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,1450Lest I should see him forced to things unseemly.But that which moved my coming now, was chieflyTo give ye part with me what hope I haveWith good success to work his liberty.

Manoa.Peace with you, brethren! My inducement hither1445

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,1450

Lest I should see him forced to things unseemly.

But that which moved 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 partake1455With thee. Say, reverend sire; we thirst to hear.

Chorus.That hope would much rejoice us to partake1455

With thee. Say, reverend sire; we thirst to hear.

Manoa.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 prisoner.1460Some much averse I found, and wondrous harsh,Contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite;That part most reverenced Dagon and his priests;Others more moderate seeming, but their aimPrivate reward, for which both God and State1465They easily would set to sale; a thirdMore generous far and civil, who confessedThey had enough revenged, having reducedTheir foe to misery beneath their fears;The rest was magnanimity to remit,1470If some convenient ransom were proposed.What noise or shout was that? it tore the sky.

Manoa.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 prisoner.1460

Some much averse I found, and wondrous harsh,

Contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite;

That part most reverenced Dagon and his priests;

Others more moderate seeming, but their aim

Private reward, for which both God and State1465

They easily would set to sale; a third

More generous far and civil, who confessed

They had enough revenged, having reduced

Their foe to misery beneath their fears;

The rest was magnanimity to remit,1470

If some convenient ransom were proposed.

What noise or shout was that? it tore the sky.

Chorus.Doubtless the people shouting to beholdTheir once great dread, captive and blind before them,Or at some proof of strength before them shown.1475

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.1475

Manoa.His ransom, if my whole inheritanceMay compass it, shall willingly be paidAnd numbered down. Much rather I shall chooseTo live the poorest in my tribe, than richest,And he in that calamitous prison left.1480No, I am fixed not to part hence without him.For his redemption all my patrimony,If need be, I am ready to forgoAnd quit. Not wanting him, I shall want nothing.

Manoa.His ransom, if my whole inheritance

May compass it, shall willingly be paid

And numbered down. Much rather I shall choose

To live the poorest in my tribe, than richest,

And he in that calamitous prison left.1480

No, I am fixed not to part hence without him.

For his redemption all my patrimony,

If need be, I am ready to forgo

And quit. Not wanting him, I shall want nothing.

Chorus.Fathers are wont to lay up for their sons;1485Thou 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 eye-sight lost.

Chorus.Fathers are wont to lay up for their sons;1485

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 eye-sight lost.

Manoa.It shall be my delight to tend his eyes,1490And view him sitting in the house, ennobledWith all those high exploits by him achieved,And on his shoulders waving down those locksThat of a nation armed the strength contained.And I persuade me, God had not permitted1495His strength again to grow up with his hairGarrisoned round about him like a campOf faithful soldiery, were not his purposeTo use him further yet in some great service—Not to sit idle with so great a gift1500Useless, and thence ridiculous, about him.And since his strength with eye-sight was not lost,God will restore him eye-sight to his strength.

Manoa.It shall be my delight to tend his eyes,1490

And view him sitting in the house, ennobled

With all those high exploits by him achieved,

And on his shoulders waving down those locks

That of a nation armed the strength contained.

And I persuade me, God had not permitted1495

His strength again to grow up with his hair

Garrisoned 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 gift1500

Useless, and thence ridiculous, about him.

And since his strength with eye-sight was not lost,

God will restore him eye-sight to his strength.

Chorus.Thy hopes are not ill founded, nor seem vain,Of his delivery, and thy joy thereon1505Conceived, agreeable to a father's love,In both which we, as next, participate.

Chorus.Thy hopes are not ill founded, nor seem vain,

Of his delivery, and thy joy thereon1505

Conceived, agreeable to a father's love,

In both which we, as next, participate.

Manoa.I know your friendly minds and . . . oh, what noise!Mercy of Heaven! what hideous noise was that?Horribly loud, unlike the former shout.1510

Manoa.I know your friendly minds and . . . oh, what noise!

Mercy of Heaven! what hideous noise was that?

Horribly loud, unlike the former shout.1510

Chorus.Noise call you it, or universal groan,As if the whole inhabitation perished!Blood, death, and deathful deeds, are in that noise,Ruin, destruction at the utmost point.

Chorus.Noise call you it, or universal groan,

As if the whole inhabitation perished!

Blood, death, and deathful deeds, are in that noise,

Ruin, destruction at the utmost point.

Manoa.Of ruin indeed methought I heard the noise.1515Oh, it continues; they have slain my son!

Manoa.Of ruin indeed methought I heard the noise.1515

Oh, it continues; they have slain my son!

Chorus.Thy son is rather slaying them; that outcryFrom slaughter of one foe could not ascend.

Chorus.Thy son is rather slaying them; that outcry

From slaughter of one foe could not ascend.

Manoa.Some dismal accident it needs must be.What shall we do—stay here or run and see?1520

Manoa.Some dismal accident it needs must be.

What shall we do—stay here or run and see?1520

Chorus.Best keep together here, lest, running thither,We unawares run into danger's mouth.This evil on the Philistines is fallen;From whom could else a general cry be heard?The sufferers then will scarce molest us here;1525From other hands we need not much to fear.What if, his eye-sight (for to Israel's GodNothing is hard) by miracle restored,He now be dealing dole among his foes,And over heaps of slaughtered walk his way?1530

Chorus.Best keep together here, lest, running thither,

We unawares run into danger's mouth.

This evil on the Philistines is fallen;

From whom could else a general cry be heard?

The sufferers then will scarce molest us here;1525

From other hands we need not much to fear.

What if, his eye-sight (for to Israel's God

Nothing is hard) by miracle restored,

He now be dealing dole among his foes,

And over heaps of slaughtered walk his way?1530

Manoa.That were a joy presumptuous to be thought.

Chorus.Yet God hath wrought things as incredibleFor his people of old; what hinders now?

Chorus.Yet God hath wrought things as incredible

For his people of old; what hinders now?

Manoa.He can, I know, but doubt to think he will;Yet hope would fain subscribe, and tempts belief.1535A little stay will bring some notice hither.

Manoa.He can, I know, but doubt to think he will;

Yet hope would fain subscribe, and tempts belief.1535

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 Ebrew, as I guess, and of our tribe.1540

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 Ebrew, as I guess, and of our tribe.1540

Messenger.Oh, whither shall I run, or which way flyThe 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,1545Or reason, though disturbed, and scarce consulted,To have guided me aright, I know not how,To thee first, reverend Manoa, and to theseMy countrymen, whom here I knew remaining,As at some distance from the place of horror,1550So in the sad event too much concerned.

Messenger.Oh, 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,1545

Or reason, though disturbed, and scarce consulted,

To have guided me aright, I know not how,

To thee first, reverend Manoa, and to these

My countrymen, whom here I knew remaining,

As at some distance from the place of horror,1550

So in the sad event too much concerned.

Manoa.The accident was loud, and here before theeWith rueful cry; yet what it was we hear not.No preface needs, thou seest we long to know.

Manoa.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,1555And sense distract, to know well what I utter.

Messenger.It would burst forth; but I recover breath,1555

And sense distract, to know well what I utter.

Manoa.Tell us the sum, the circumstance defer.

Messenger.Gaza yet stands, but all her sons are fallen,All in a moment overwhelmed and fallen.

Messenger.Gaza yet stands, but all her sons are fallen,

All in a moment overwhelmed and fallen.

Manoa.Sad! but thou know'st to Israelites not saddest1560The desolation of a hostile city.

Manoa.Sad! but thou know'st to Israelites not saddest1560

The desolation of a hostile city.

Messenger.Feed on that first, there may in grief be surfeit.

Manoa.Relate by whom.

Messenger.By Samson.

Manoa.That still lessensThe sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.

Manoa.That still lessens

The sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.

Messenger.Ah! Manoa, I refrain too suddenly1565To utter what will come at last too soon,Lest evil tidings, with too rude irruptionHitting thy aged ear, should pierce too deep.

Messenger.Ah! Manoa, I refrain too suddenly1565

To utter what will come at last too soon,

Lest evil tidings, with too rude irruption

Hitting thy aged ear, should pierce too deep.

Manoa.Suspense in news is torture; speak them out.

Messenger.Take then the worst in brief: Samson is dead.1570

Manoa.The worst indeed! oh, all my hope's defeatedTo free him hence! but Death who sets all freeHath paid his ransom now and full discharge.What windy joy this day had I conceived,Hopeful of his delivery, which now proves1575Abortive as the first-born bloom of springNipt with the lagging rear of winter's frost!Yet, ere I give the reins to grief, say firstHow died he; death to life is crown or shame.All by him fell, thou say'st; by whom fell he?1580What glorious hand gave Samson his death's wound?

Manoa.The worst indeed! oh, all my hope's 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 conceived,

Hopeful of his delivery, which now proves1575

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?1580

What glorious hand gave Samson his death's wound?

Messenger.Unwounded of his enemies he fell.

Manoa.Wearied with slaughter, then, or how? explain.

Messenger.By his own hands.

Manoa.Self-violence? what causeBrought him so soon at variance with himself1585Among his foes?

Manoa.Self-violence? what cause

Brought him so soon at variance with himself1585

Among his foes?

Messenger.Inevitable cause—At once both to destroy and be destroyed.The edifice, where all were met to see him,Upon their heads and on his own he pulled.

Messenger.Inevitable cause—

At once both to destroy and be destroyed.

The edifice, where all were met to see him,

Upon their heads and on his own he pulled.

Manoa.Oh, lastly over-strong against thyself!1590A dreadful way thou took'st to thy revenge.More than enough we know; but, while things yetAre in confusion, give us, if thou canst,Eye-witness of what first or last was done,Relation more particular and distinct.1595

Manoa.Oh, lastly over-strong against thyself!1590

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 canst,

Eye-witness of what first or last was done,

Relation more particular and distinct.1595

Messenger.Occasions drew me early to this city,And, as the gates I entered with sun-rise,The morning trumpets festival proclaimedThrough each high street. Little I had dispatched,When all abroad was rumoured that this day1600Samson should be brought forth, to show the peopleProof of his mighty strength in feats and games.I sorrowed at his captive state, but mindedNot to be absent at that spectacle.The building was a spacious theatre,1605Half-round, on two main pillars vaulted high,With seats where all the lords, and each degreeOf sort, might sit in order to behold;The other side was open, where the throngOn banks and scaffolds under sky might stand;1610I among these aloof obscurely stood.The feast and noon grew high, and sacrificeHad filled their hearts with mirth, high cheer, and wine,When to their sports they turned. ImmediatelyWas Samson as a public servant brought,1615In their state livery clad; before him pipesAnd timbrels; on each side went armèd guards,Both horse and foot; before him and behindArchers and slingers, cataphracts and spears.At sight of him the people with a shout1620Rifted 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 assayed,1625To heave, pull, draw, or break, he still performedAll with incredible, stupendious force,None daring to appear antagonist.At length, for intermission sake, they led himBetween the pillars; he his guide requested1630(For so from such as nearer stood we heard),As over-tired, to let him lean a whileWith both his arms on those two massy pillars,That to the archèd roof gave main support.He unsuspicious led him; which when Samson1635Felt in his arms, with head a while inclined,And eyes fast fixed, he stood, as one who prayed,Or some great matter in his mind revolved.At last, with head erect, thus cried aloud:'Hitherto, Lords, what your commands imposed1640I have performed, as reason was, obeying,Not without wonder or delight beheld;Now of my own accord such other trialI mean to show you of my strength, yet greater,As with amaze shall strike all who behold.'1645This uttered, straining all his nerves, he bowed;As with the force of winds and waters pentWhen mountains tremble, those two massy pillarsWith horrible convulsion to and froHe tugged, he shook, till down they came, and drew1650The 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 onlyOf this, but each Philistian city round,1655Met from all parts to solemnize this feast.Samson, with these immixed, inevitablyPulled down the same destruction on himself;The vulgar only scaped, who stood without.

Messenger.Occasions drew me early to this city,

And, as the gates I entered with sun-rise,

The morning trumpets festival proclaimed

Through each high street. Little I had dispatched,

When all abroad was rumoured that this day1600

Samson should be brought forth, to show the people

Proof of his mighty strength in feats and games.

I sorrowed at his captive state, but minded

Not to be absent at that spectacle.

The building was a spacious theatre,1605

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;1610

I among these aloof obscurely stood.

The feast and noon grew high, and sacrifice

Had filled their hearts with mirth, high cheer, and wine,

When to their sports they turned. Immediately

Was Samson as a public servant brought,1615

In their state livery clad; before him pipes

And timbrels; on each side went armèd guards,

Both horse and foot; before him and behind

Archers and slingers, cataphracts and spears.

At sight of him the people with a shout1620

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 assayed,1625

To heave, pull, draw, or break, he still performed

All with incredible, stupendious force,

None daring to appear antagonist.

At length, for intermission sake, they led him

Between the pillars; he his guide requested1630

(For so from such as nearer stood we heard),

As over-tired, to let him lean a while

With both his arms on those two massy pillars,

That to the archèd roof gave main support.

He unsuspicious led him; which when Samson1635

Felt in his arms, with head a while inclined,

And eyes fast fixed, he stood, as one who prayed,

Or some great matter in his mind revolved.

At last, with head erect, thus cried aloud:

'Hitherto, Lords, what your commands imposed1640

I have performed, 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.'1645

This uttered, straining all his nerves, he bowed;

As with the force of winds and waters pent

When mountains tremble, those two massy pillars

With horrible convulsion to and fro

He tugged, he shook, till down they came, and drew1650

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,1655

Met from all parts to solemnize this feast.

Samson, with these immixed, inevitably

Pulled down the same destruction on himself;

The vulgar only scaped, who stood without.

Chorus.Oh, dearly-bought revenge, yet glorious!1660Living or dying thou hast fulfilledThe work for which thou wast foretoldTo Israel, and now liest victoriousAmong thy slain self-killed;Not willingly, but tangled in the fold1665Of dire Necessity, whose law in death conjoinedThee with thy slaughtered foes, in number moreThan all thy life had slain before.

Chorus.Oh, dearly-bought revenge, yet glorious!1660

Living or dying thou hast fulfilled

The work for which thou wast foretold

To Israel, and now liest victorious

Among thy slain self-killed;

Not willingly, but tangled in the fold1665

Of dire Necessity, whose law in death conjoined

Thee with thy slaughtered foes, in number more

Than all thy life had slain before.

Semichorus.While their hearts were jocund and sublime,Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine,1670And fat regorged of bulls and goats,Chaunting their idol, and preferringBefore our living Dread, who dwellsIn Silo, his bright sanctuary,Among them he a spirit of phrenzy sent,1675Who hurt their minds,And urged them on with mad desireTo call in haste for their destroyer.They, only set on sport and play,Unweetingly importuned1680Their own destruction to come speedy upon them.So fond are mortal men,Fallen into wrath divine,As their own ruin on themselves to invite,Insensate left, or to sense reprobate,1685And with blindness internal struck.

Semichorus.While their hearts were jocund and sublime,

Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine,1670

And fat regorged of bulls and goats,

Chaunting their idol, and preferring

Before our living Dread, who dwells

In Silo, his bright sanctuary,

Among them he a spirit of phrenzy sent,1675

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 importuned1680

Their own destruction to come speedy upon them.

So fond are mortal men,

Fallen into wrath divine,

As their own ruin on themselves to invite,

Insensate left, or to sense reprobate,1685

And with blindness internal struck.

Semichorus.But he, though blind of sight,Despised, and thought extinguished quite,With inward eyes illuminated,His fiery virtue roused1690From under ashes into sudden flame,And as an evening dragon came,Assailant on the perchèd roostsAnd nests in order rangedOf tame villatic fowl, but as an eagle1695His cloudless thunder bolted on their heads.So Virtue, given for lost,Depressed and overthrown, as seemed,Like that self-begotten bird,In the Arabian woods embost,1700That no second knows nor third,And lay erewhile a holocaust,From out her ashy womb now teemed,Revives, reflourishes, then vigorous mostWhen most unactive deemed;1705And, though her body die, her fame survives,A secular bird, ages of lives.

Semichorus.But he, though blind of sight,

Despised, and thought extinguished quite,

With inward eyes illuminated,

His fiery virtue roused1690

From under ashes into sudden flame,

And as an evening dragon came,

Assailant on the perchèd roosts

And nests in order ranged

Of tame villatic fowl, but as an eagle1695

His cloudless thunder bolted on their heads.

So Virtue, given for lost,

Depressed and overthrown, as seemed,

Like that self-begotten bird,

In the Arabian woods embost,1700

That no second knows nor third,

And lay erewhile a holocaust,

From out her ashy womb now teemed,

Revives, reflourishes, then vigorous most

When most unactive deemed;1705

And, though her body die, her fame survives,

A secular bird, ages of lives.

Manoa.Come, come; no time for lamentation now,Nor much more cause. Samson hath quit himselfLike Samson, and heroicly hath finished1710A life heroic, on his enemiesFully revenged; hath left them years of mourning,And lamentation to the sons of CaphtorThrough all Philistian bounds; to IsraelHonour hath left and freedom, let but them1715Find courage to lay hold on this occasion;To himself and father's house eternal fame;And, which is best and happiest yet, all thisWith God not parted from him, as was feared,But favouring and assisting to the end.1720Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wailOr 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 lies1725Soaked in his enemies' blood, and from the streamWith lavers pure, and cleansing herbs, wash offThe 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,1730To fetch him hence, and solemnly attend,With silent obsequy and funeral train,Home to his father's house. There will I build himA monument, and plant it round with shadeOf laurel ever green, and branching palm,1735With all his trophies hung, and acts enrolledIn copious legend, or sweet lyric song.Thither shall all the valiant youth resort,And from his memory inflame their breastsTo matchless valour, and adventures high;1740The virgins also shall, on feastful days,Visit his tomb with flowers, only bewailingHis lot unfortunate in nuptial choice,From whence captivity and loss of eyes.

Manoa.Come, come; no time for lamentation now,

Nor much more cause. Samson hath quit himself

Like Samson, and heroicly hath finished1710

A life heroic, on his enemies

Fully revenged; 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 them1715

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 feared,

But favouring and assisting to the end.1720

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 lies1725

Soaked in his enemies' blood, and from the stream

With lavers pure, and cleansing herbs, wash off

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,1730

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,1735

With all his trophies hung, and acts enrolled

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;1740

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,1745What the unsearchable disposeOf Highest Wisdom brings about,And ever best found in the close.Oft He seems to hide his face,But unexpectedly returns,1750And to his faithful champion hath in placeBore witness gloriously; whence Gaza mourns,And all that band them to resistHis uncontrollable intent.His servants He, with new acquist1755Of true experience from this great event,With peace and consolation hath dismissed,And calm of mind, all passion spent.

Chorus.All is best, though we oft doubt,1745

What the unsearchable dispose

Of Highest Wisdom brings about,

And ever best found in the close.

Oft He seems to hide his face,

But unexpectedly returns,1750

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 acquist1755

Of true experience from this great event,

With peace and consolation hath dismissed,

And calm of mind, all passion spent.

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