135:0,0000['  ]| <Samson Agonistes: JFB, from John Carey and Alastair Fowler (ed.),>
135:0,0000['  ]| <The Poems of John Milton, London, Longman, 1968, repr. 1980.>
135:0,0000['  ]| <THE ARGUMENT>
135:0,0000['  ]| <Samson made captive, blind, and now in the prison at Gaza, there>
135:0,0000['  ]| <to labour as in a common workhouse, on a festival day, in the general>
135:0,0000['  ]| <cessation from labour, comes forth into the open air, to a place nigh,> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <somewhat retired there to sit a while and bemoan his condition.  Where> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <he happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals of> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <his tribe, which make the Chorus, who seek to comfort him what they> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <can; then by his old father Manoa, who endeavours the like, and> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <withal tells him his purpose to procure his liberty by ransom; lastly,> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <that this feast was proclaimed by the Philistines as a day of thanks-giving> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <for their deliverance from the hands of Samson, which yet> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <more troubles him.  Manoa then departs to prosecute his endeavour> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <with the Philistian lords for Samson's redemption; who in the meanwhile> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <is visited by other persons; and lastly by a public officer to> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <require his coming to the feast before the lords and people, to play> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <or show his strength in their presence; he at first refuses, dismissing> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <the public officer with absolute denial to come; at length persuaded> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <inwardly that this was from God, he yields to go along with him,> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <who came now the second time with great threatenings to fetch him,> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <the Chorus yet remaining on the place, Manoa returns full of joyful> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <hope, to procure ere long his son's deliverance:  in the midst of which discourse> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <an Hebrew comes in haste confusedly at first; and afterwards> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <more distinctly relating the catastrophe, what Samson had done to the> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <Philistines, and by accident to himself; wherewith the tragedy ends.> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <THE PERSONS> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <Samson> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <Manoa, the father of Samson> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <Dalila his wife> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <Harapha of Gath> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <Public Officer> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <Messenger> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <Chorus of Danites> 
135:0,0000['  ]| <The Scene before the Prison in Gaza> 
135:1,0001[A  ]| <\Sam%\> A little onward lend thy guiding hand 
135:1,0002[A  ]| To$4$ these dark steps, a little further on$5$; 
135:1,0003[A  ]| For$3$ yonder bank hath choice of sun or shade, 
135:1,0004[A  ]| There I am wont to$9$ sit, when any chance 
135:1,0005[A  ]| Relieves me from my task of servile toil, 
135:1,0006[A  ]| Daily in$4$ the common prison else enjoined me, 
135:1,0007[A  ]| Where I a prisoner chained, scarce freely draw 
135:1,0008[A  ]| The air imprisoned also, close and damp, 
135:1,0009[A  ]| Unwholesome draught:  but here I feel amends, 
135:1,0010[A  ]| The breath of heaven fresh blowing, pure and sweet, 
135:1,0011[A  ]| With day-spring born; here leave me to$9$ respire.  
135:1,0012[A  ]| This day a solemn feast the people hold 
135:1,0013[A  ]| To$4$ Dagon their sea-idol, and forbid 
135:1,0014[A  ]| Laborious works, unwillingly this rest 
135:1,0015[A  ]| Their superstition yields me; hence with leave 
135:1,0016[A  ]| Retiring from the popular noise, I seek 
135:1,0017[A  ]| This unfrequented place to$9$ find some ease, 
135:1,0018[A  ]| Ease to$4$ the body some, none to$4$ the mind 
135:1,0019[A  ]| From restless thoughts, that$6#1$ like$4$ a deadly swarm 
135:1,0020[A  ]| Of hornets armed, no$2$ sooner found alone, 
135:1,0021[A  ]| But rush upon$4$ me thronging, and present 
135:1,0022[A  ]| Times past, what once I was, and what am now.  
135:1,0023[A  ]| O wherefore was my birth from heaven foretold 
135:1,0024[A  ]| Twice by$4$ an angel, who$6#1$ at last in$4$ sight 
135:1,0025[A  ]| Of both my parents all in$4$ flames ascended 
135:1,0026[A  ]| From off the altar, where an offering burned, 
135:1,0027[A  ]| As in$4$ a fiery column charioting 
135:1,0028[A  ]| His godlike presence, and from some great act 
135:1,0029[A  ]| Or benefit revealed to$4$ Abraham's race?  
135:1,0030[A  ]| Why was my breeding ordered and prescribed 
135:1,0031[A  ]| As of a person separate to$4$ God, 
135:1,0032[A  ]| Designed for$4$ great exploits; if I must die 
135:1,0033[A  ]| Betrayed, captived, and both my eyes put out, 
135:1,0034[A  ]| Made of my enemies the scorn and gaze; 
135:1,0035[A  ]| To$9$ grind in$4$ brazen fetters under task 
135:1,0036[A  ]| With this heaven-gifted strength?  O glorious strength 
135:1,0037[A  ]| Put to$4$ the labour of a beast, debased 
135:1,0038[A  ]| Lower than bond-slave!  Promise what that$3$ I 
135:1,0039[A  ]| Should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver; 
135:1,0040[A  ]| Ask for$4$ this great deliverer now, and find him 
135:1,0041[A  ]| Eyeless in$4$ Gaza at the mill with slaves, 
135:1,0042[A  ]| Himself in$4$ bonds under Philistian yoke; 
135:1,0043[A  ]| Yet stay, let me not rashly call in$4$ doubt 
135:1,0044[A  ]| Divine prediction; what if all foretold 
135:1,0045[A  ]| Had been fulfilled but through mine own default, 
135:1,0046[A  ]| Whom have I to$9$ complain of but myself?  
135:1,0047[A  ]| Who$6#1$ this high gift of strength committed to$4$ me, 
135:1,0048[A  ]| In$4$ what part lodged, how easily bereft me, 
135:1,0049[A  ]| Under the seal of silence could not keep, 
135:1,0050[A  ]| But weakly to$4$ a woman must reveal it, 
135:1,0051[A  ]| Overcome with importunity and tears, 
135:1,0052[A  ]| O impotence of mind, in$4$ body strong!  
135:1,0053[A  ]| But what is strength without a double share 
135:1,0054[A  ]| Of wisdom, vast, unwieldly, burdensome, 
135:1,0055[A  ]| Proudly secure, yet liable to$9$ fall 
135:1,0056[A  ]| By$4$ weakest subtleties, not made to$9$ rule, 
135:1,0057[A  ]| But to$9$ subserve where wisdom bears command.  
135:1,0058[A  ]| God, when he gave me strength, to$9$ show withal 
135:1,0059[A  ]| How slight the gift was, hung it in$4$ my hair, 
135:1,0060[A  ]| But peace, I must not quarrel with the will$0$ 
135:1,0061[A  ]| Of highest dispensation, which$6#1$ herein 
135:1,0062[A  ]| Haply had ends above my reach to$9$ know:  
135:1,0063[A  ]| Suffices that$3$ to$4$ me strength is my bane, 
135:1,0064[A  ]| And proves the source of all my miseries; 
135:1,0065[A  ]| So$5#1$ many, and so$5#1$ huge, that$3$ each apart 
135:1,0066[A  ]| Would ask a life to$9$ wail, but chief of all, 
135:1,0067[A  ]| O loss of sight, of thee I most complain!  
135:1,0068[A  ]| Blind among enemies, O worse than chains, 
135:1,0069[A  ]| Dungeon, or beggary, or decrepit age!  
135:1,0070[A  ]| Light the prime work of God to$4$ me is extinct, 
135:1,0071[A  ]| And all her various objects of delight 
135:1,0072[A  ]| Annulled, which$6#1$ might in$4$ part my grief have eased, 
135:1,0073[A  ]| Inferior to$4$ the vilest now become 
135:1,0074[A  ]| Of man or worm; the vilest here excel me, 
135:1,0075[A  ]| They creep, yet see, I dark in$4$ light exposed 
135:1,0076[A  ]| To$4$ daily fraud, contempt, abuse and wrong, 
135:1,0077[A  ]| Within doors, or without, still as a fool, 
135:1,0078[A  ]| In$4$ power of others, never in$4$ my own; 
135:1,0079[A  ]| Scarce half I seem to$9$ live, dead more than half.  
135:1,0080[A  ]| O dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon, 
135:1,0081[A  ]| Irrecoverably dark, total eclipse 
135:1,0082[A  ]| Without all hope of day!  
135:1,0083[A  ]| O first-created beam, and thou great word, 
135:1,0084[A  ]| Let there be light, and light was over all; 
135:1,0085[A  ]| Why am I thus bereaved thy prime decree?  
135:1,0086[A  ]| The sun to$4$ me is dark 
135:1,0087[A  ]| And silent as the moon, 
135:1,0088[A  ]| When she deserts the night 
135:1,0089[A  ]| Hid in$4$ her vacant interlunar cave.  
135:1,0090[A  ]| Since light so$5#1$ necessary is to$4$ life, 
135:1,0091[A  ]| And almost life itself, if it be true 
135:1,0092[A  ]| That$3$ light is in$4$ the soul, 
135:1,0093[A  ]| She all in$4$ every part; why was the sight 
135:1,0094[A  ]| To$4$ such a tender ball as the eye confined?  
135:1,0095[A  ]| So$5#1$ obvious and so$5#1$ easy to$9$ be quenched, 
135:1,0096[A  ]| And not as feeling through all parts diffused, 
135:1,0097[A  ]| That$3$ she might look at will$0$ through every pore?  
135:1,0098[A  ]| Then had I not been thus exiled from light; 
135:1,0099[A  ]| As in$4$ the land of darkness yet in$4$ light, 
135:1,0100[A  ]| To$9$ live a life half dead, a living death, 
135:1,0101[A  ]| And buried; but O yet more miserable!  
135:1,0102[A  ]| Myself, my sepulchre, a moving grave, 
135:1,0103[A  ]| Buried, yet not exempt 
135:1,0104[A  ]| By$4$ privilege of death and burial 
135:1,0105[A  ]| From worst of other evils, pains and wrongs, 
135:1,0106[A  ]| But made hereby obnoxious more 
135:1,0107[A  ]| To$4$ all the miseries of life, 
135:1,0108[A  ]| Life in$4$ captivity 
135:1,0109[A  ]| Among inhuman foes.  
135:1,0110[A  ]| But who$6#2$ are these?  for$3$ with joint pace I hear 
135:1,0111[A  ]| The tread of many feet steering this way; 
135:1,0112[A  ]| Perhaps my enemies who$6#1$ come to$9$ stare 
135:1,0113[A  ]| At my affliction, and perhaps to$9$ insult, 
135:1,0114[A  ]| Their daily practice to$9$ afflict me more.  
135:1,0115[X  ]| <\Chor%\> This, this is he, softly a while, 
135:1,0116[X  ]| Let us not break in$5$ upon$4$ him; 
135:1,0117[X  ]| O change beyond report, thought, or belief?  
135:1,0118[X  ]| See how he lies at random, carelessly diffused, 
135:1,0119[X  ]| With languished head unpropped, 
135:1,0120[X  ]| As one past hope, abandoned, 
135:1,0121[X  ]| And by$4$ himself given over; 
135:1,0122[X  ]| In$4$ slavish habit, ill-fitted weeds 
135:1,0123[X  ]| Over-worn and soiled; 
135:1,0124[X  ]| Or do my eyes misrepresent?  Can this be he, 
135:1,0125[X  ]| That$6#2$ heroic, that$6#2$ renowned, 
135:1,0126[X  ]| Irresistible Samson?  whom unarmed 
135:1,0127[X  ]| No$2$ strength of man, or fiercest wild beast could withstand; 
135:1,0128[X  ]| Who$6#1$ tore the lion, as the lion tears the kid, 
135:1,0129[X  ]| Ran on$4$ embattled armies clad in$4$ iron, 
135:1,0130[X  ]| And weaponless himself, 
135:1,0131[X  ]| Made arms ridiculous, useless the forgery 
135:1,0132[X  ]| Of brazen shield and spear, the hammered cuirass, 
135:1,0133[X  ]| Chalybean-tempered steel, and frock of mail 
135:1,0134[X  ]| Adamantean proof; 
135:1,0135[X  ]| But safest he who$6#1$ stood aloof, 
135:1,0136[X  ]| When insupportably his foot advanced, 
135:1,0137[X  ]| In$4$ scorn of their proud arms and warlike tools, 
135:1,0138[X  ]| Spurned them to$4$ death by$4$ troops.  The bold Ascalonite 
135:1,0139[X  ]| Fled from his lion ramp, old warriors turned 
135:1,0140[X  ]| Their plated backs under his heel; 
135:1,0141[X  ]| Or grovelling soiled their crested helmets in$4$ the dust.  
135:1,0142[X  ]| Then with what trivial weapon came to$4$ hand, 
135:1,0143[X  ]| The jaw of a dead ass, his sword of bone, 
135:1,0144[X  ]| A thousand foreskins fell, the flower of Palestine 
135:1,0145[X  ]| In$4$ Ramath-lechi famous to$4$ this day: 
135:1,0146[X  ]| Then by$4$ main force pulled up$5$, and on$4$ his shoulders bore 
135:1,0147[X  ]| The gates of Azza, post, and massy bar 
135:1,0148[X  ]| Up$5$ to$4$ the hill by$4$ Hebron, seat of giants old, 
135:1,0149[X  ]| No$2$ journey of a sabbath-day, and loaded so$5#2$; 
135:1,0150[X  ]| Like$4$ whom the Gentiles feign to$9$ bear up$5$ heaven.  
135:1,0151[X  ]| Which$6#2$ shall I first bewail, 
135:1,0152[X  ]| Thy bondage or lost sight, 
135:1,0153[X  ]| Prison within prison 
135:1,0154[X  ]| Inseparably dark?  
135:1,0155[X  ]| Thou art become (O worst imprisonment!) 
135:1,0156[X  ]| The dungeon of thyself; thy soul 
135:1,0157[X  ]| (Which$6#1$ men enjoying sight oft without cause complain) 
135:1,0158[X  ]| Imprisoned now indeed, 
135:1,0159[X  ]| In$4$ real darkness of the body dwells, 
135:1,0160[X  ]| Shut up$5$ from outward light 
135:1,0161[X  ]| To$9$ incorporate with gloomy night; 
135:1,0162[X  ]| For$3$ inward light alas 
135:1,0163[X  ]| Puts forth no$2$ visual beam.  
135:1,0164[X  ]| O mirror of our fickle state, 
135:1,0165[X  ]| Since man on$4$ earth unparalleled!  
135:1,0166[X  ]| The rarer thy example stands, 
135:1,0167[X  ]| By$4$ how much from the top of wondrous glory, 
135:1,0168[X  ]| Strongest of mortal men, 
135:1,0169[X  ]| To$4$ lowest pitch of abject fortune thou art fallen.  
135:1,0170[X  ]| For$3$ him I reckon not in$4$ high estate 
135:1,0171[X  ]| Whom long descent of birth 
135:1,0172[X  ]| Or the sphere of fortune raises; 
135:1,0173[X  ]| But thee whose strength, while virtue was her mate, 
135:1,0174[X  ]| Might have subdued the earth, 
135:1,0175[X  ]| Universally crowned with highest praises.  
135:1,0176[A  ]| <\Sam%\> I hear the sound of words, their sense the air 
135:1,0177[A  ]| Dissolves unjointed before it reach my ear.  
135:1,0178[X  ]| <\Chor%\> He speaks, let us draw nigh.  Matchless in$4$ might, 
135:1,0179[X  ]| The glory late of Israel, now the grief; 
135:1,0180[X  ]| We come thy friends and neighbours not unknown 
135:1,0181[X  ]| From Eshtal and Zora's fruitful vale 
135:1,0182[X  ]| To$9$ visit or bewail thee, or if better, 
135:1,0183[X  ]| Counsel or consolation we may bring, 
135:1,0184[X  ]| Salve to$4$ thy sores, apt words have power to$9$ assuage 
135:1,0185[X  ]| The tumours of a troubled mind, 
135:1,0186[X  ]| And are as balm to$4$ festered wounds.  
135:1,0187[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Your coming, friends, revives me, for$3$ I learn 
135:1,0188[A  ]| Now of my own experience, not by$4$ talk, 
135:1,0189[A  ]| How counterfeit a coin they are who$6#1$ friends 
135:1,0190[A  ]| Bear in$4$ their superscription (of the most 
135:1,0191[A  ]| I would be understood) in$4$ prosperous days 
135:1,0192[A  ]| They swarm, but in$4$ adverse withdraw their head 
135:1,0193[A  ]| Not to$9$ be found, though sought.  Ye see, O friends, 
135:1,0194[A  ]| How many evils have enclosed me round; 
135:1,0195[A  ]| Yet that$6#2$ which$6#1$ was the worst now least afflicts me, 
135:1,0196[A  ]| Blindness, for$3$ had I sight, confused with shame, 
135:1,0197[A  ]| How could I once look up$5$, or heave the head, 
135:1,0198[A  ]| Who$6#1$ like$4$ a foolish pilot have shipwrecked, 
135:1,0199[A  ]| My vessel trusted to$4$ me from above, 
135:1,0200[A  ]| Gloriously rigged; and for$4$ a word, a tear, 
135:1,0201[A  ]| Fool, have divulged the secret gift of God 
135:1,0202[A  ]| To$4$ a deceitful woman:  tell me friends, 
135:1,0203[A  ]| Am I not sung and proverbed for$4$ a fool 
135:1,0204[A  ]| In$4$ every street, do they not say, how well 
135:1,0205[A  ]| Are come upon$4$ him his deserts?  yet why?  
135:1,0206[A  ]| Immeasurable strength they might behold 
135:1,0207[A  ]| In$4$ me, of wisdom nothing more than mean; 
135:1,0208[A  ]| This with the other should, at least, have paired, 
135:1,0209[A  ]| These two proportioned ill drove me transverse.  
135:1,0210[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Tax not divine disposal, wisest men 
135:1,0211[X  ]| Have erred, and by$4$ bad women been deceived; 
135:1,0212[X  ]| And shall again, pretend they never so$5#1$ wise.  
135:1,0213[X  ]| Deject not then so$5#1$ overmuch thyself, 
135:1,0214[X  ]| Who$6#1$ hast of sorrow thy full load besides; 
135:1,0215[X  ]| Yet truth to$9$ say, I oft have heard men wonder 
135:1,0216[X  ]| Why thou shouldst wed Philistian women rather 
135:1,0217[X  ]| Than of thine own tribe fairer, or as fair, 
135:1,0218[X  ]| At least of thy own nation, and as noble.  
135:1,0219[A  ]| <\Sam%\> The first I saw at Timna, and she pleased 
135:1,0220[A  ]| Me, not my parents, that$3$ I sought to$9$ wed, 
135:1,0221[A  ]| The daughter of an infidel:  they knew not 
135:1,0222[A  ]| That$3$ what I motioned was of God; I knew 
135:1,0223[A  ]| From intimate impulse, and therefore urged 
135:1,0224[A  ]| The marriage on$5$; that$3$ by$4$ occasion hence 
135:1,0225[A  ]| I might begin Israel's deliverance, 
135:1,0226[A  ]| The work to$4$ which$6#1$ I was divinely called; 
135:1,0227[A  ]| She proving false, the next I took to$4$ wife 
135:1,0228[A  ]| (O that$3$ I never had!  fond wish too late.) 
135:1,0229[A  ]| Was in$4$ the vale of Sorec, Dalila, 
135:1,0230[A  ]| That$6#2$ specious monster, my accomplished snare.  
135:1,0231[A  ]| I thought it lawful from my former act, 
135:1,0232[A  ]| And the same end; still watching to$9$ oppress 
135:1,0233[A  ]| Israel's oppressors:  of what now I suffer 
135:1,0234[A  ]| She was not the prime cause, but I myself, 
135:1,0235[A  ]| Who$6#1$ vanquished with a peal of words (O weakness!) 
135:1,0236[A  ]| Gave up$5$ my fort of silence to$4$ a woman.  
135:1,0237[X  ]| <\Chor%\> In$4$ seeking just occasion to$9$ provoke 
135:1,0238[X  ]| The Philistines, thy country's enemy, 
135:1,0239[X  ]| Thou never wast remiss, I bear thee witness:  
135:1,0240[X  ]| Yet Israel still serves with all his sons.  
135:1,0241[A  ]| <\Sam%\> That$6#2$ fault I take not on$4$ me, but transfer 
135:1,0242[A  ]| On$4$ Israel's governors, and heads of tribes, 
135:1,0243[A  ]| Who$6#1$ seeing those great acts which$6#1$ God had done 
135:1,0244[A  ]| Singly by$4$ me against their conquerors 
135:1,0245[A  ]| Acknowledged not, or not at all considered 
135:1,0246[A  ]| Deliverance offered:  I on$4$ the other side 
135:1,0247[A  ]| Used no$2$ ambition to$9$ commend my deeds, 
135:1,0248[A  ]| The deeds themselves, though mute, spoke loud the doer; 
135:1,0249[A  ]| But they persisted dead, and would not seem 
135:1,0250[A  ]| To$9$ count them things worth notice, till at length 
135:1,0251[A  ]| Their lords the Philistines with gathered powers 
135:1,0252[A  ]| Entered Judea seeking me, who$6#1$ then 
135:1,0253[A  ]| Safe to$4$ the rock of Etham was retired, 
135:1,0254[A  ]| Not flying, but forecasting in$4$ what place 
135:1,0255[A  ]| To$9$ set upon$4$ them, what advantaged best; 
135:1,0256[A  ]| Meanwhile the men of Judah to$9$ prevent 
135:1,0257[A  ]| The harass of their land, beset me round; 
135:1,0258[A  ]| I willingly on$4$ some condition came 
135:1,0259[A  ]| Into their hands, and they as gladly yield me 
135:1,0260[A  ]| To$4$ the uncircumcised a welcome prey, 
135:1,0261[A  ]| Bound with two cords; but cords to$4$ me were threads 
135:1,0262[A  ]| Touched, with the flame:  on$4$ their whole host I flew 
135:1,0263[A  ]| Unarmed, and with a trivial weapon felled 
135:1,0264[A  ]| Their choicest youth; they only lived who$6#1$ fled.  
135:1,0265[A  ]| Had Judah that$6#2$ day joined, or one whole tribe, 
135:1,0266[A  ]| They had by$4$ this possessed the towers of Gath, 
135:1,0267[A  ]| And lorded over them whom now they serve; 
135:1,0268[A  ]| But what more oft in$4$ nations grown corrupt, 
135:1,0269[A  ]| And by$4$ their vices brought to$4$ servitude, 
135:1,0270[A  ]| Than to$9$ love bondage more than liberty, 
135:1,0271[A  ]| Bondage with ease than strenuous liberty; 
135:1,0272[A  ]| And to$9$ despise, or envy, or suspect 
135:1,0273[A  ]| Whom God hath of his special favour raised 
135:1,0274[A  ]| As their deliverer; if he aught begin, 
135:1,0275[A  ]| How frequent to$9$ desert him, and at last 
135:1,0276[A  ]| To$9$ heap ingratitude on$4$ worthiest deeds?  
135:1,0277[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Thy words to$4$ my remembrance bring 
135:1,0278[X  ]| How Succoth and the fort of Penuel 
135:1,0279[X  ]| Their great deliverer contemned, 
135:1,0280[X  ]| The matchless Gideon in$4$ pursuit 
135:1,0281[X  ]| Of Madian and her vanquished kings; 
135:1,0282[X  ]| And how ingrateful Ephraim 
135:1,0283[X  ]| Had dealt with Jephtha, who$6#1$ by$4$ argument, 
135:1,0284[X  ]| Not worse than by$4$ his shield and spear 
135:1,0285[X  ]| Defended Israel from the Ammonite, 
135:1,0286[X  ]| Had not his prowess quelled their pride 
135:1,0287[X  ]| In$4$ that$6#2$ sore battle when so$5#1$ many died 
135:1,0288[X  ]| Without reprieve adjudged to$4$ death, 
135:1,0289[X  ]| For$4$ want of well pronouncing \Shibboleth\.  
135:1,0290[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Of such examples add me to$4$ the roll, 
135:1,0291[A  ]| Me easily indeed mine may neglect, 
135:1,0292[A  ]| But God's proposed deliverance not so$5#2$.  
135:1,0293[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Just are the ways of God, 
135:1,0294[X  ]| And justifiable to$4$ men; 
135:1,0295[X  ]| Unless there be who$6#1$ think not God at all, 
135:1,0296[X  ]| If any be, they walk obscure; 
135:1,0297[X  ]| For$3$ of such doctrine never was there school, 
135:1,0298[X  ]| But the heart of the fool, 
135:1,0299[X  ]| And no$2$ man there in$4$ doctor but himself.  
135:1,0300[X  ]| Yet more there be who$6#1$ doubt his ways not just, 
135:1,0301[X  ]| As to$4$ his own edicts, found contradicting, 
135:1,0302[X  ]| Then give the reins to$4$ wandering thought, 
135:1,0303[X  ]| Regardless of his glory's diminution; 
135:1,0304[X  ]| Till by$4$ their own perplexities involved 
135:1,0305[X  ]| They ravel more, still less resolved, 
135:1,0306[X  ]| But never find self-satisfying solution.  
135:1,0307[X  ]| As if they would confine the interminable, 
135:1,0308[X  ]| And tie him to$4$ his own prescript, 
135:1,0309[X  ]| Who$6#1$ made our laws to$9$ bind us, not himself, 
135:1,0310[X  ]| And hath full right to$9$ exempt 
135:1,0311[X  ]| Whoso it pleases him by$4$ choice 
135:1,0312[X  ]| From national obstriction, without taint 
135:1,0313[X  ]| Of sin, or legal debt; 
135:1,0314[X  ]| For$3$ with his own laws he can best dispense.  
135:1,0315[X  ]| He would not else who$6#1$ never wanted means, 
135:1,0316[X  ]| Nor in$4$ respect of the enemy just cause 
135:1,0317[X  ]| To$9$ set his people free, 
135:1,0318[X  ]| Have prompted this heroic Nazarite, 
135:1,0319[X  ]| Against his vow of strictest purity, 
135:1,0320[X  ]| To$9$ seek in$4$ marriage that$6#2$ fallacious bride, 
135:1,0321[X  ]| Unclean, unchaste.  
135:1,0322[X  ]| Down Reason then, at least vain reasonings down, 
135:1,0323[X  ]| Though Reason here aver 
135:1,0324[X  ]| That$3$ moral verdict quits her of unclean:  
135:1,0325[X  ]| Unchaste was subsequent, her stain not his.  
135:1,0326[X  ]| But see here comes thy reverend sire 
135:1,0327[X  ]| With careful step, locks white as down, 
135:1,0328[X  ]| Old Manoa:  advise 
135:1,0329[X  ]| Forthwith how thou oughtst to$9$ receive him.  
135:1,0330[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Ay me, another inward grief awaked, 
135:1,0331[A  ]| With mention of that$6#2$ name renews the assault.  
135:1,0332[C  ]| <\Man%\> Brethren and men of Dan, for$3$ such ye seem, 
135:1,0333[C  ]| Though in$4$ this uncouth place; if old respect, 
135:1,0334[C  ]| As I suppose, towards your once gloried friend, 
135:1,0335[C  ]| My son now captive, hither hath informed 
135:1,0336[C  ]| Your younger feet, while mine cast back with age 
135:1,0337[C  ]| Came lagging after; say if he be here.  
135:1,0338[X  ]| <\Chor%\> As signal now in$4$ low dejected state, 
135:1,0339[X  ]| As erst in$4$ highest, behold him where he lies.  
135:1,0340[C  ]| <\Man%\> O miserable change!  is this the man, 
135:1,0341[C  ]| That$6#2$ invincible Samson, far renowned, 
135:1,0342[C  ]| The dread of Israel's foes, who$6#1$ with a strength 
135:1,0343[C  ]| Equivalent to$4$ angel's walked their streets, 
135:1,0344[C  ]| None offering fight; who$6#1$ single combatant 
135:1,0345[C  ]| Duelled their armies ranked in$4$ proud array, 
135:1,0346[C  ]| Himself an army, now unequal match 
135:1,0347[C  ]| To$9$ save himself against a coward armed 
135:1,0348[C  ]| At one spear's length.  O ever-falling trust 
135:1,0349[C  ]| In$4$ mortal strength!  and O what not in$4$ man 
135:1,0350[C  ]| Deceivable and vain!  Nay what thing good 
135:1,0351[C  ]| Prayed for$5$, but often proves our woe, our bane?  
135:1,0352[C  ]| I prayed for$4$ children, and thought barrenness 
135:1,0353[C  ]| In$4$ wedlock a reproach; I gained a son, 
135:1,0354[C  ]| And such a son as all men hailed me happy; 
135:1,0355[C  ]| Who$6#2$ would be now a father in$4$ my stead?  
135:1,0356[C  ]| O wherefore did God grant me my request, 
135:1,0357[C  ]| And as a blessing with such pomp adorned?  
135:1,0358[C  ]| Why are his gift desirable, to$9$ tempt 
135:1,0359[C  ]| Our earnest prayers, then given with solemn hand 
135:1,0360[C  ]| As graces, draw a scorpion's tail behind?  
135:1,0361[C  ]| For$4$ this did the angel twice descend?  for$4$ this 
135:1,0362[C  ]| Ordained thy nurture holy, as of a plant; 
135:1,0363[C  ]| Select, and sacred, glorious for$4$ a while, 
135:1,0364[C  ]| The miracle of men:  then in$4$ an hour 
135:1,0365[C  ]| Ensnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound, 
135:1,0366[C  ]| Thy foes' derision, captive, poor, and blind 
135:1,0367[C  ]| Into a dungeon thrust, to$9$ work with slaves?  
135:1,0368[C  ]| Alas methinks whom God hath chosen once 
135:1,0369[C  ]| To$4$ worthiest deeds, if he through frailty err, 
135:1,0370[C  ]| He should not so$5#1$ overwhelm, and as a thrall 
135:1,0371[C  ]| Subject him to$4$ so$5#1$ foul indignities, 
135:1,0372[C  ]| Be it but for$4$ honour's sake of former deeds.  
135:1,0373[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Appoint not heavenly disposition, father, 
135:1,0374[A  ]| Nothing of all these evils hath befallen me 
135:1,0375[A  ]| But justly; I myself have brought them on$5$, 
135:1,0376[A  ]| Sole author I, sole cause:  if aught seem vile, 
135:1,0377[A  ]| As vile hath been my folly, who$6#1$ have profaned 
135:1,0378[A  ]| The mystery of God given me under pledge 
135:1,0379[A  ]| Of vow, and have betrayed it to$4$ a woman, 
135:1,0380[A  ]| A Canaanite, my faithless enemy.  
135:1,0381[A  ]| This well I knew, nor was at all surprised, 
135:1,0382[A  ]| But warned by$4$ oft experience:  did not she 
135:1,0383[A  ]| Of Timna first betray me, and reveal 
135:1,0384[A  ]| The secret wrested from me in$4$ her height 
135:1,0385[A  ]| Of nuptial love professed, carrying it straight 
135:1,0386[A  ]| To$4$ them who$6#1$ had corrupted her, my spies, 
135:1,0387[A  ]| And rivals?  In$4$ this other was there found 
135:1,0388[A  ]| More faith?  who$6#1$ also in$4$ her prime of love, 
135:1,0389[A  ]| Spousal embraces, vitiated with gold, 
135:1,0390[A  ]| Though offered only, by$4$ the scent conceived 
135:1,0391[A  ]| Her spurious first-born; treason against me?  
135:1,0392[A  ]| Thrice she assayed with flattering prayers and sighs, 
135:1,0393[A  ]| And amorous reproaches to$9$ win from me 
135:1,0394[A  ]| My capital secret, in$4$ what part my strength 
135:1,0395[A  ]| Lay stored, in$4$ what part summed, that$3$ she might know:  
135:1,0396[A  ]| Thrice I deluded her, and turned to$4$ sport 
135:1,0397[A  ]| Her importunity, each time perceiving 
135:1,0398[A  ]| How openly and with what impudence 
135:1,0399[A  ]| She purposed to$9$ betray me, and (which$6#1$ was worse 
135:1,0400[A  ]| Than undissembled hate) with what contempt 
135:1,0401[A  ]| She sought to$9$ make me traitor to$4$ myself; 
135:1,0402[A  ]| Yet the fourth time, when mustering all her wiles, 
135:1,0403[A  ]| With blandished parleys, feminine assaults, 
135:1,0404[A  ]| Tongue-batteries, she surceased not day nor night 
135:1,0405[A  ]| To$9$ storm me over-watched, and wearied out.  
135:1,0406[A  ]| At times when men seek most repose and rest, 
135:1,0407[A  ]| I yielded, and unlocked her all my heart, 
135:1,0408[A  ]| Who$6#1$ with a grain of manhood well resolved 
135:1,0409[A  ]| Might easily have shook off all her snares:  
135:1,0410[A  ]| But foul effeminacy held me yoked 
135:1,0411[A  ]| Her bond-slave; O indignity, O blot 
135:1,0412[A  ]| To$4$ honour and religion!  servile mind 
135:1,0413[A  ]| Rewarded well with servile punishment!  
135:1,0414[A  ]| The base degree to$4$ which$6#1$ I now am fallen, 
135:1,0415[A  ]| These rages, this grinding, is not yet so$5#1$ base 
135:1,0416[A  ]| As was my former servitude, ignoble, 
135:1,0417[A  ]| Unmanly, ignominious, infamous, 
135:1,0418[A  ]| True slavery, and that$6#2$ blindness worse than this, 
135:1,0419[A  ]| That$6#1$ saw not how degenerately I served.  
135:1,0420[C  ]| <\Man%\> I cannot praise thy marriage-choices, son, 
135:1,0421[C  ]| Rather approved them not; but thou didst plead 
135:1,0422[C  ]| Divine impulsion prompting how thou mightest 
135:1,0423[C  ]| Find some occasion to$9$ infest our foes.  
135:1,0424[C  ]| I state not that$6#2$; this I am sure; our foes 
135:1,0425[C  ]| Found soon occasion thereby to$9$ make thee 
135:1,0426[C  ]| Their captive, and, their triumph; thou the sooner 
135:1,0427[C  ]| Temptation foundest, or over-potent charms 
135:1,0428[C  ]| To$9$ violate the sacred trust of silence 
135:1,0429[C  ]| Deposited within thee; which$6#1$ to$9$ have kept 
135:1,0430[C  ]| Tacit, was in$4$ thy power; true; and thou bearest 
135:1,0431[C  ]| Enough, and more the burden of that$6#2$ fault; 
135:1,0432[C  ]| Bitterly hast thou paid, and still art paying 
135:1,0433[C  ]| That$6#2$ rigid score.  A worse thing yet remains, 
135:1,0434[C  ]| This day the Philistines a popular feast 
135:1,0435[C  ]| Here celebrate in$4$ Gaza; a proclaim 
135:1,0436[C  ]| Great pomp, and sacrifice, and praises loud 
135:1,0437[C  ]| To$4$ Dagon, as their god who$6#1$ hath delivered 
135:1,0438[C  ]| Thee Samson bound and blind into their hands, 
135:1,0439[C  ]| Them out of thine, who$6#1$ slewest them many a slain.  
135:1,0440[C  ]| So$3$ Dagon shall be magnified, and God, 
135:1,0441[C  ]| Besides whom is no$2$ god, compared with idols, 
135:1,0442[C  ]| Disglorified, blasphemed, and had in$4$ scorn 
135:1,0443[C  ]| By$4$ the idolatrous rout amidst their wine; 
135:1,0444[C  ]| Which$6#1$ to$9$ have come to$9$ pass by$4$ means of thee, 
135:1,0445[C  ]| Samson, of all thy sufferings think the heaviest, 
135:1,0446[C  ]| Of all reproach the most with shame that$6#1$ ever 
135:1,0447[C  ]| Could have befallen thee and thy father's house.  
135:1,0448[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Father, I do acknowledge and confess 
135:1,0449[A  ]| That$3$ I this honour, I this pomp have brought 
135:1,0450[A  ]| To$4$ Dagon, and advanced his praises high 
135:1,0451[A  ]| Among the heathen round; to$4$ God have brought 
135:1,0452[A  ]| Dishonour, obloquy, and oped the mouths 
135:1,0453[A  ]| Of idolists, and atheists; have brought scandal 
135:1,0454[A  ]| To$4$ Israel, diffidence of God, and doubt 
135:1,0455[A  ]| In$4$ feeble hearts, propense enough before 
135:1,0456[A  ]| To$9$ waver, or fall off and join with idols; 
135:1,0457[A  ]| Which$6#1$ is my chief affliction, shame and sorrow, 
135:1,0458[A  ]| The anguish of my soul, that$6#1$ suffers not 
135:1,0459[A  ]| Mine eye to$9$ harbour sleep, or thoughts to$9$ rest.  
135:1,0460[A  ]| This only hope relieves me, that$3$ the strife 
135:1,0461[A  ]| With me hath end; all the contest is now 
135:1,0462[A  ]| Between God and Dagon; Dagon hath presumed, 
135:1,0463[A  ]| Me overthrown, to$9$ enter lists with God, 
135:1,0464[A  ]| His deity comparing and preferring 
135:1,0465[A  ]| Before the God of Abraham.  He, be sure, 
135:1,0466[A  ]| Will$1$ not connive, or linger, thus provoked, 
135:1,0467[A  ]| But will$1$ arise and his great name assert:  
135:1,0468[A  ]| Dagon must stoop, and shall before long receive 
135:1,0469[A  ]| Such a discomfit, as shall quite bespoil him 
135:1,0470[A  ]| Of all these boasted trophies won on$4$ me, 
135:1,0471[A  ]| And with confusion blank his worshippers.  
135:1,0472[C  ]| <\Man%\> With cause this hope relieves thee, and these words 
135:1,0473[C  ]| I as a prophecy receive:  for$3$ God, 
135:1,0474[C  ]| Nothing more certain, will$1$ not long defer 
135:1,0475[C  ]| To$9$ vindicate the glory of his name 
135:1,0476[C  ]| Against all competition, nor will$1$ long 
135:1,0477[C  ]| Endure it, doubtful whether God be Lord, 
135:1,0478[C  ]| Or Dagon.  But for$4$ thee what shall be done?  
135:1,0479[C  ]| Thou must not in$4$ the meanwhile here forgot 
135:1,0480[C  ]| Lie in$4$ this miserable loathsome plight 
135:1,0481[C  ]| Neglected.  I already have made way 
135:1,0482[C  ]| To$4$ some Philistian lords, with whom to$9$ treat 
135:1,0483[C  ]| About thy ransom:  well they may by$4$ this 
135:1,0484[C  ]| Have satisfied their utmost of revenge 
135:1,0485[C  ]| By$4$ pains and slaveries, worse than death inflicted 
135:1,0486[C  ]| On$4$ thee, who$6#1$ now no$2$ more canst do them harm.  
135:1,0487[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Spare that$6#2$ proposal, father, spare the trouble 
135:1,0488[A  ]| Of that$6#2$ solicitation; let me here, 
135:1,0489[A  ]| As I deserve, pay on$4$ my punishment; 
135:1,0490[A  ]| And expiate, if possible, my crime, 
135:1,0491[A  ]| Shameful garrulity.  To$9$ have revealed 
135:1,0492[A  ]| Secrets of men, the secrets of a friend, 
135:1,0493[A  ]| How heinous had the fact been, how deserving 
135:1,0494[A  ]| Contempt, and scorn of all, to$9$ be excluded 
135:1,0495[A  ]| All friendship, and avoided as blab, 
135:1,0496[A  ]| The mark of fool set on$4$ his front!  
135:1,0497[A  ]| But I God's counsel have not kept, his holy secret 
135:1,0498[A  ]| Presumptuously have published, impiously, 
135:1,0499[A  ]| Weakly at least, and shamefully:  a sin 
135:1,0500[A  ]| That$6#1$ Gentiles in$4$ their parables condemn 
135:1,0501[A  ]| To$4$ their abyss and horrid pains confined.  
135:1,0502[C  ]| <\Man%\> Be penitent and for$4$ thy fault contrite, 
135:1,0503[C  ]| But act not in$4$ thy own affliction, son, 
135:1,0504[C  ]| Repent the sin, but if the punishment 
135:1,0505[C  ]| Thou canst avoid, self-preservation bids; 
135:1,0506[C  ]| Or the execution leave to$4$ high disposal, 
135:1,0507[C  ]| And let another hand, not thine, exact 
135:1,0508[C  ]| Thy penal forfeit from thyself; perhaps 
135:1,0509[C  ]| God will$1$ relent, and quit thee all his debt; 
135:1,0510[C  ]| Who$6#1$ evermore approves and more accepts 
135:1,0511[C  ]| (Best pleased with humble and filial submission) 
135:1,0512[C  ]| Him who$6#1$ imploring mercy sues for$4$ life, 
135:1,0513[C  ]| Than who$6#1$ self-rigorous chooses death as due; 
135:1,0514[C  ]| Which$6#1$ argues over-just, and self-displeased 
135:1,0515[C  ]| For$4$ self-offence, more than for$4$ God offended.  
135:1,0516[C  ]| Reject not then what offered means, who$6#2$ knows 
135:1,0517[C  ]| But God hath set before us, to$9$ return thee 
135:1,0518[C  ]| Home to$4$ thy country and his sacred house, 
135:1,0519[C  ]| Where thou mayst bring thy offerings, to$9$ avert 
135:1,0520[C  ]| His further ire, with prayers and vows renewed.  
135:1,0521[A  ]| <\Sam%\> His pardon I implore; but as for$4$ life, 
135:1,0522[A  ]| To$4$ what end should I seek it?  when in$4$ strength 
135:1,0523[A  ]| All mortals I excelled, and great in$4$ hopes 
135:1,0524[A  ]| With youthful courage and magnanimous thoughts 
135:1,0525[A  ]| Of birth from heaven foretold and high exploits, 
135:1,0526[A  ]| Full of divine instinct, after some proof 
135:1,0527[A  ]| Of acts indeed heroic, far beyond 
135:1,0528[A  ]| The sons of Anak, famous now and blazed, 
135:1,0529[A  ]| Fearless of danger, like$4$ a petty god 
135:1,0530[A  ]| I walked about admired of all and dreaded 
135:1,0531[A  ]| On$4$ hostile ground, none daring my affront.  
135:1,0532[A  ]| Then swollen with pride into the snare I fell 
135:1,0533[A  ]| Of fair fallacious looks, venereal trains, 
135:1,0534[A  ]| Softened with pleasure and voluptuous life; 
135:1,0535[A  ]| At length to$9$ lay my head and hallowed pledge 
135:1,0536[A  ]| Of all my strength in$4$ the lascivious lap 
135:1,0537[A  ]| Of a deceitful concubine who$6#1$ shore me 
135:1,0538[A  ]| Like$4$ a tame wether, all my precious fleece, 
135:1,0539[A  ]| Then turned me out ridiculous, despoiled, 
135:1,0540[A  ]| Shaven, and disarmed among my enemies.  
135:1,0541[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Desire of wine and all delicious drinks, 
135:1,0542[X  ]| Which$6#1$ many a famous warrior overturns, 
135:1,0543[X  ]| Thou couldst repress, nor did the dancing ruby 
135:1,0544[X  ]| Sparkling, out-poured, the flavour, or the smell, 
135:1,0545[X  ]| Or taste that$6#1$ cheers the heart of gods and men, 
135:1,0546[X  ]| Allure thee from the cool crystalline stream.  
135:1,0547[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Wherever fountain or fresh current flowed 
135:1,0548[A  ]| Against the eastern ray, translucent, pure 
135:1,0549[A  ]| With touch ethereal of heaven's fiery rod 
135:1,0550[A  ]| I drank, from the clear milky juice allaying 
135:1,0551[A  ]| Thirst, and refreshed; nor envied them the grape 
135:1,0552[A  ]| Whose heads that$6#2$ turbulent liquor fills with fumes.  
135:1,0553[X  ]| <\Chor%\> O madness, to$9$ think use of strongest wines 
135:1,0554[X  ]| And strongest drinks our chief support of health, 
135:1,0555[X  ]| When God with these forbidden made choice to$9$ rear 
135:1,0556[X  ]| His mighty champion, strong above compare, 
135:1,0557[X  ]| Whose drink was only from the liquid brook.  
135:1,0558[A  ]| <\Sam%\> But what availed this temperance, not complete 
135:1,0559[A  ]| Against another object more enticing?  
135:1,0560[A  ]| What boots it at one gate to$9$ make defence, 
135:1,0561[A  ]| And at another to$9$ let in$5$ the foe 
135:1,0562[A  ]| Effeminately vanquished?  by$4$ which$6#1$ means, 
135:1,0563[A  ]| Now blind, disheartened, shamed, dishonoured, quelled, 
135:1,0564[A  ]| To$4$ what can I be useful, wherein serve 
135:1,0565[A  ]| My nation, and the work from heaven imposed, 
135:1,0566[A  ]| But to$9$ sit idle on$4$ the household hearth, 
135:1,0567[A  ]| A burdenous drone; to$4$ visitants a gaze, 
135:1,0568[A  ]| Or pitied object, these redundant locks 
135:1,0569[A  ]| Robustious to$4$ no$2$ purpose clustering down, 
135:1,0570[A  ]| Vain monument of strength; till length of years 
135:1,0571[A  ]| And sedentary numbness craze my limbs 
135:1,0572[A  ]| To$4$ a contemptible old age obscure.  
135:1,0573[A  ]| Here rather let me drudge and earn my bread, 
135:1,0574[A  ]| Till vermin or the draff of servile food 
135:1,0575[A  ]| Consume me, and oft-invocated death 
135:1,0576[A  ]| Hasten the welcome end of all my pains.  
135:1,0577[C  ]| <\Man%\> Wilt thou then serve the Philistines with that$6#2$ gift 
135:1,0578[C  ]| Which$6#1$ was expressly given thee to$9$ annoy them?  
135:1,0579[C  ]| Better at home lie bed-rid, not only idle, 
135:1,0580[C  ]| Inglorious, unemployed, with age outworn.  
135:1,0581[C  ]| But God who$6#1$ caused a fountain at thy prayer 
135:1,0582[C  ]| From the dry ground to$9$ spring, thy thirst to$9$ allay 
135:1,0583[C  ]| After the brunt of battle, can as easy 
135:1,0584[C  ]| Cause light again within thy eyes to$9$ spring, 
135:1,0585[C  ]| Wherewith to$9$ serve him better than thou hast; 
135:1,0586[C  ]| And I persuade me so$5#2$; why else this strength 
135:1,0587[C  ]| Miraculous yet remaining in$4$ those locks?  
135:1,0588[C  ]| His might continues in$4$ thee not for$4$ naught, 
135:1,0589[C  ]| Nor shall his wondrous gifts be frustrate thus.  
135:1,0590[A  ]| <\Sam%\> All otherwise to$4$ me my thoughts portend, 
135:1,0591[A  ]| That$3$ these dark orbs no$2$ more shall treat with light, 
135:1,0592[A  ]| Nor the other light of life continue long, 
135:1,0593[A  ]| But yield to$4$ double darkness nigh at hand:  
135:1,0594[A  ]| So$5#1$ much I feel my genial spirits droop, 
135:1,0595[A  ]| My hopes all flat, nature within me seems 
135:1,0596[A  ]| In$4$ all her functions weary of herself; 
135:1,0597[A  ]| My race of glory run, and race of shame, 
135:1,0598[A  ]| And I shall shortly be with them that$6#1$ rest.  
135:1,0599[C  ]| <\Man%\> Believe not these suggestions, which$6#1$ proceed 
135:1,0600[C  ]| From anguish of the mind and humours black, 
135:1,0601[C  ]| That$6#1$ mingle with thy fancy, I however 
135:1,0602[C  ]| Must not omit a father's timely care 
135:1,0603[C  ]| To$9$ prosecute the means of thy deliverance 
135:1,0604[C  ]| By$4$ ransom or how else:  meanwhile be calm, 
135:1,0605[C  ]| And healing words from these thy friends admit.  
135:1,0606[A  ]| <\Sam%\> O that$3$ torment should not be confined 
135:1,0607[A  ]| To$4$ the body's wounds and sores 
135:1,0608[A  ]| With maladies innumerable 
135:1,0609[A  ]| In$4$ heart, head, breast, and reins; 
135:1,0610[A  ]| But must secret passage find 
135:1,0611[A  ]| To$4$ the inmost mind, 
135:1,0612[A  ]| There exercise all his fierce accidents, 
135:1,0613[A  ]| And on$4$ her purest spirits prey, 
135:1,0614[A  ]| As on$4$ entrails, joints, and limbs, 
135:1,0615[A  ]| With answerable pains, but more intense, 
135:1,0616[A  ]| Though void of corporal sense.  
135:1,0617[A  ]| My griefs not only pain me 
135:1,0618[A  ]| As a lingering disease, 
135:1,0619[A  ]| But finding no$2$ redress, ferment and rage, 
135:1,0620[A  ]| Nor less than wounds immedicable 
135:1,0621[A  ]| Rankle, and fester, and gangrene, 
135:1,0622[A  ]| To$4$ black mortification.  
135:1,0623[A  ]| Thoughts my tormentors armed with deadly stings 
135:1,0624[A  ]| Mangle my apprehensive tenderest parts, 
135:1,0625[A  ]| Exasperate, exulcerate, and raise 
135:1,0626[A  ]| Dire inflammation which$6#1$ no$2$ cooling herb 
135:1,0627[A  ]| Or medicinal liquor can assuage, 
135:1,0628[A  ]| Nor breath of vernal air from snowy alp.  
135:1,0629[A  ]| Sleep hath forsook and given me over 
135:1,0630[A  ]| To$4$ death's benumbing opium as my only cure.  
135:1,0631[A  ]| Thence faintings, swoonings of despair, 
135:1,0632[A  ]| And sense of heaven's desertion.  
135:1,0633[A  ]| I was his nursling once and choice delight, 
135:1,0634[A  ]| His destined from the womb, 
135:1,0635[A  ]| Promised by$4$ heavenly message twice delight, 
135:1,0636[A  ]| Under his special eye 
135:1,0637[A  ]| Abstemious I grew up$5$ and thrived amain; 
135:1,0638[A  ]| He led me on$5$ to$4$ mightiest deeds 
135:1,0639[A  ]| Above the nerve of mortal arm 
135:1,0640[A  ]| Against the uncircumcised, our enemies.  
135:1,0641[A  ]| But now hath cast me off as never known, 
135:1,0642[A  ]| And to$4$ those cruel enemies, 
135:1,0643[A  ]| Whom I by$4$ this appointment had provoked, 
135:1,0644[A  ]| Left me all helpless with the irreparable loss 
135:1,0645[A  ]| Of sight, reserved alive to$9$ be repeated 
135:1,0646[A  ]| The subject of their cruelty, or scorn.  
135:1,0647[A  ]| Nor am I in$4$ the list of them that$6#1$ hope; 
135:1,0648[A  ]| Hopeless are all my evils, all remediless; 
135:1,0649[A  ]| This one prayer yet remains, might I be heard, 
135:1,0650[A  ]| No$2$ long petition, speedy death, 
135:1,0651[A  ]| The close of all my miseries, and the balm.  
135:1,0652[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Many are the sayings of the wise 
135:1,0653[X  ]| In$4$ ancient and in$4$ modern books enrolled; 
135:1,0654[X  ]| Extolling patience as the truest fortitude; 
135:1,0655[X  ]| And to$4$ the bearing well of all calamities, 
135:1,0656[X  ]| All chances incident to$4$ man's frail life 
135:1,0657[X  ]| Consolatories writ 
135:1,0658[X  ]| With studied argument, and much persuasion sought 
135:1,0659[X  ]| Lenient of grief and anxious thought, 
135:1,0660[X  ]| But with the afflicted in$4$ his pangs their sound 
135:1,0661[X  ]| Little prevails, or rather seems a tune, 
135:1,0662[X  ]| Harsh, and of dissonant mood from his complaint, 
135:1,0663[X  ]| Unless he feel within 
135:1,0664[X  ]| Some source of consolation from above; 
135:1,0665[X  ]| Secret refreshings, that$6#1$ repair his strength, 
135:1,0666[X  ]| And fainting spirits uphold.  
135:1,0667[X  ]| God of our fathers, what is man!  
135:1,0668[X  ]| That$3$ thou towards him with hand so$5#1$ various, 
135:1,0669[X  ]| Or might I say contrarious, 
135:1,0670[X  ]| Temperest thy providence through his short course, 
135:1,0671[X  ]| Not evenly, as thou rulest 
135:1,0672[X  ]| The angelic orders and inferior creatures mute, 
135:1,0673[X  ]| Irrational and brute.  
135:1,0674[X  ]| Nor do I name of men the common rout, 
135:1,0675[X  ]| That$6#1$ wandering loose about 
135:1,0676[X  ]| Grow up$5$ and perish, as the summer fly, 
135:1,0677[X  ]| Heads without name no$2$ more remembered, 
135:1,0678[X  ]| But such as thou hast solemnly elected, 
135:1,0679[X  ]| With gifts and graces eminently adorned 
135:1,0680[X  ]| To$4$ some great work, thy glory, 
135:1,0681[X  ]| And people's safety, which$6#1$ in$4$ part they effect:  
135:1,0682[X  ]| Yet toward these thus dignified, thou oft 
135:1,0683[X  ]| Amidst their height of noon, 
135:1,0684[X  ]| Changest thy countenance, and thy hand with no$2$ regard 
135:1,0685[X  ]| Of highest favours past 
135:1,0686[X  ]| From thee on$4$ them, or them to$4$ thee of service.  
135:1,0687[X  ]| Nor only dost degrade them, or remit 
135:1,0688[X  ]| To$4$ life obscured, which$6#1$ were a fair dismission, 
135:1,0689[X  ]| But throwest them lower than thou didst exalt them high, 
135:1,0690[X  ]| Unseemly falls in$4$ human eye, 
135:1,0691[X  ]| Too grievous for$4$ the trespass or omission, 
135:1,0692[X  ]| Oft leavest them to$4$ the hostile sword 
135:1,0693[X  ]| Of heathen and profane, their carcases 
135:1,0694[X  ]| To$4$ dogs and fowls a prey, or else captived:  
135:1,0695[X  ]| Or to$4$ the unjust tribunals, under change of times, 
135:1,0696[X  ]| And condemnation of the ingrateful multitude.  
135:1,0697[X  ]| If these they escape, perhaps in$4$ poverty 
135:1,0698[X  ]| With sickness and disease thou bowest them down, 
135:1,0699[X  ]| Painful diseases and deformed, 
135:1,0700[X  ]| In$4$ crude old age; 
135:1,0701[X  ]| Though not disordinate, yet causeless suffering 
135:1,0702[X  ]| The punishment of dissolute days, in$4$ fine, 
135:1,0703[X  ]| Just or unjust, alike seem miserable, 
135:1,0704[X  ]| For$3$ oft alike, both come to$4$ evil end.  
135:1,0705[X  ]| So$3$ deal not with this once thy glorious champion, 
135:1,0706[X  ]| The image of thy strength, and mighty minister.  
135:1,0707[X  ]| What do I beg?  how hast thou dealt already?  
135:1,0708[X  ]| Behold him in$4$ this state calamitous, and turn 
135:1,0709[X  ]| His labours, for$3$ thou canst, to$4$ peaceful end.  
135:1,0710[X  ]| But who$6#2$ is this, what thing of sea or land?  
135:1,0711[X  ]| Female of sex it seems, 
135:1,0712[X  ]| That$6#1$ so$5#1$ bedecked, ornate, and gay, 
135:1,0713[X  ]| Comes this way sailing 
135:1,0714[X  ]| Like$4$ a stately ship 
135:1,0715[X  ]| Of Tarsus, bound for$4$ the isles 
135:1,0716[X  ]| Of Javan or Gadire 
135:1,0717[X  ]| With all her bravery on$5$, and tackle trim, 
135:1,0718[X  ]| Sails filled, and streamers waving, 
135:1,0719[X  ]| Courted by$4$ all the winds that$6#1$ hold them play, 
135:1,0720[X  ]| An amber scent of odorous perfume 
135:1,0721[X  ]| Her harbinger, a damsel train behind; 
135:1,0722[X  ]| Some rich Philistian matron she may seem, 
135:1,0723[X  ]| And now at nearer view, no$2$ other certain 
135:1,0724[X  ]| Than Dalila, thy wife.  
135:1,0725[A  ]| <\Sam%\> My wife, my traitress, let her not come near me.  
135:1,0726[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Yet on$5$ she moves, now stands and eyes thee fixed, 
135:1,0727[X  ]| About to$9$ have spoke, but now, with head declined 
135:1,0728[X  ]| Like$4$ a fair flower surcharged with dew, she weeps 
135:1,0729[X  ]| And words addressed seem into tears dissolved, 
135:1,0730[X  ]| Wetting the borders of her silken veil:  
135:1,0731[X  ]| But now again she makes address to$9$ speak.  
135:1,0732[B  ]| <\Dal.\> With doubtful feet and wavering resolution 
135:1,0733[B  ]| I came, still dreading thy displeasure, Samson, 
135:1,0734[B  ]| Which$6#1$ to$9$ have merited, without excuse, 
135:1,0735[B  ]| I cannot but acknowledge; yet if tears 
135:1,0736[B  ]| May expiate (though the fact more evil drew 
135:1,0737[B  ]| In$4$ the perverse event than I foresaw) 
135:1,0738[B  ]| My penance hath not slackened, though my pardon 
135:1,0739[B  ]| No$2$ way assured.  But conjugal affection 
135:1,0740[B  ]| Prevailing over fear, and timorous doubt 
135:1,0741[B  ]| Hath led me on$5$ desirous to$9$ behold 
135:1,0742[B  ]| Once more thy face, and know of thy estate.  
135:1,0743[B  ]| If aught in$4$ my ability may serve 
135:1,0744[B  ]| To$9$ lighten what thou sufferest, and appease 
135:1,0745[B  ]| Thy mind with what amends is in$4$ my power, 
135:1,0746[B  ]| Though late, yet in$4$ some part to$9$ recompense 
135:1,0747[B  ]| My rash but more unfortunate misdeed.  
135:1,0748[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Out, out hyena; these are thy wonted arts, 
135:1,0749[A  ]| And arts of every woman false like$4$ thee, 
135:1,0750[A  ]| To$9$ break all faith, all vows, deceive, betray, 
135:1,0751[A  ]| Then as repentant to$9$ submit, beseech, 
135:1,0752[A  ]| And reconcilement move with feigned remorse, 
135:1,0753[A  ]| Confess, and promise wonders in$4$ her change, 
135:1,0754[A  ]| Not truly penitent, but chief to$9$ try 
135:1,0755[A  ]| Her husband, how far urged his patience bears, 
135:1,0756[A  ]| His virtue or weakness which$6#1$ way to$9$ assail:  
135:1,0757[A  ]| Then with more cautious and instructed skill 
135:1,0758[A  ]| Again transgresses, and again submits; 
135:1,0759[A  ]| That$3$ wisest and best men full oft beguiled 
135:1,0760[A  ]| With goodness principled not to$9$ reject 
135:1,0761[A  ]| The penitent, but ever to$9$ forgive, 
135:1,0762[A  ]| Are drawn to$9$ wear out miserable days, 
135:1,0763[A  ]| Entangled with a poisonous bosom snake, 
135:1,0764[A  ]| If not by$4$ quick destruction soon cut off 
135:1,0765[A  ]| As I by$4$ thee, to$4$ ages an example.  
135:1,0766[B  ]| <\Dal%\> Yet hear me Samson; not that$3$ I endeavour 
135:1,0767[B  ]| To$9$ lessen or extenuate my offence, 
135:1,0768[B  ]| But that$3$ on$4$ the other side, if it be weighed 
135:1,0769[B  ]| By$4$ itself, with aggravations not surcharged, 
135:1,0770[B  ]| Or else with just allowance counterpoised, 
135:1,0771[B  ]| I may, if possible, thy pardon find 
135:1,0772[B  ]| The easier towards me, or thy hatred less.  
135:1,0773[B  ]| First granting, as I do, it was a weakness 
135:1,0774[B  ]| In$4$ me, but incident to$4$ all our sex, 
135:1,0775[B  ]| Curiosity, inquisitive, importune 
135:1,0776[B  ]| Of secrets, then with like$2$ infirmity 
135:1,0777[B  ]| To$9$ publish them, both common female faults:  
135:1,0778[B  ]| Was it not weakness also to$9$ make known 
135:1,0779[B  ]| For$4$ importunity, that$6#2$ is for$4$ naught, 
135:1,0780[B  ]| Wherein consisted all thy strength and safety?  
135:1,0781[B  ]| To$4$ what I did thou showedst me first the way.  
135:1,0782[B  ]| But I to$4$ enemies revealed, and should not.  
135:1,0783[B  ]| Nor shouldst thou have trusted that$6#2$ to$4$ woman's frailty 
135:1,0784[B  ]| Before I to$4$ thee, thou to$4$ thyself wast cruel.  
135:1,0785[B  ]| Let weakness then with weakness come to$9$ parle 
135:1,0786[B  ]| So$5#1$ near related, or the same of kind, 
135:1,0787[B  ]| Thine forgive mine; that$3$ men may censure thine 
135:1,0788[B  ]| The gentler, if severely thou exact not 
135:1,0789[B  ]| More strength from me, than in$4$ thyself was found.  
135:1,0790[B  ]| And what if love, which$6#1$ thou interpretest hate, 
135:1,0791[B  ]| The jealousy of love, powerful of sway 
135:1,0792[B  ]| In$4$ human hearts, nor less in$4$ mine towards thee, 
135:1,0793[B  ]| Caused what I did?  I saw thee mutable 
135:1,0794[B  ]| Of fancy, feared lest one day thou wouldst leave me 
135:1,0795[B  ]| As her at Timna, sought by$4$ all means therefore 
135:1,0796[B  ]| How to$9$ endear, and hold thee to$4$ me firmest:  
135:1,0797[B  ]| No$2$ better way I saw than by$4$ importuning 
135:1,0798[B  ]| To$9$ learn thy secrets, get into my power 
135:1,0799[B  ]| Thy key of strength and safety:  thou wilt say, 
135:1,0800[B  ]| Why then revealed?  I was assured by$4$ those 
135:1,0801[B  ]| Who$6#1$ tempted me, that$3$ nothing was designed 
135:1,0802[B  ]| Against thee but safe custody, and hold:  
135:1,0803[B  ]| That$6#2$ made for$4$ me, I knew that$3$ liberty 
135:1,0804[B  ]| Would draw thee forth to$4$ perilous enterprises, 
135:1,0805[B  ]| While I at home sat full of cares and fears,
135:1,0806[B  ]| Wailing thy absence in$4$ my widowed bed;
135:1,0807[B  ]| Here I should still enjoy thee day and night
135:1,0808[B  ]| Mine and love's prisoner, not the Philistines',
135:1,0809[B  ]| Whole to$4$ myself, unhazarded abroad,
135:1,0810[B  ]| Fearless at home of partners in$4$ my love.
135:1,0811[B  ]| These reasons in$4$ love's law have passed for$4$ good,
135:1,0812[B  ]| Though fond and reasonless to$4$ some perhaps;
135:1,0813[B  ]| And love hath oft, well meaning, wrought much woe,
135:1,0814[B  ]| Yet always pity or pardon hath obtained.
135:1,0815[B  ]| Be not unlike all others, not austere
135:1,0816[B  ]| As thou art strong, inflexible as steel.
135:1,0817[B  ]| If thou in$4$ strength all mortals dost exceed,
135:1,0818[B  ]| In$4$ uncompassionate anger do not so$5#2$.
135:1,0819[A  ]| <\Sam%\> How cunningly the sorceress displays
135:1,0820[A  ]| Her own transgressions, to$9$ upbraid me mine!
135:1,0821[A  ]| That$3$ malice not repentance brought thee hither,
135:1,0822[A  ]| By$4$ this appears: I gave, thou sayest the example,
135:1,0823[A  ]| I led the way; bitter reproach, but true,
135:1,0824[A  ]| I to$4$ myself was false before thou to$4$ me,
135:1,0825[A  ]| Such pardon therefore as I give my folly,
135:1,0826[A  ]| Take to$4$ thy wicked deed: which$6#1$ when thou seest
135:1,0827[A  ]| Impartial, self-severe, inexorable,
135:1,0828[A  ]| Thou wilt renounce thy seeking, and much rather
135:1,0829[A  ]| Confess it feigned, weakness is thy excuse,
135:1,0830[A  ]| And I believe it, weakness to$9$ resist
135:1,0831[A  ]| Philistian gold: if weakness may excuse,
135:1,0832[A  ]| What murder, what traitor, parricide,
135:1,0833[A  ]| Incestuous, sacrilegious, but may plead it?
135:1,0834[A  ]| All wickedness is weakness: that$6#2$ plea therefore
135:1,0835[A  ]| With God or man will$1$ gain thee no$2$ remission.
135:1,0836[A  ]| But love constrained thee; call it furious rage
135:1,0837[A  ]| To$9$ satisfy thy lust: love seeks to$9$ have love;
135:1,0838[A  ]| My love how couldst thou hope, who$6#1$ tookest the way
135:1,0839[A  ]| To$9$ raise in$4$ me inexpiable hate,
135:1,0840[A  ]| Knowing, as needs I must, by$4$ thee betrayed?
135:1,0841[A  ]| In$4$ vain thou strivest to$9$ cover shame with shame,
135:1,0842[A  ]| Or by$4$ evasions thy crime uncoverest more.
135:1,0843[B  ]| <\Dal%\> Since thou determinest weakness for$4$ no$2$ plea
135:1,0844[B  ]| In$4$ man or woman, though to$4$ thy own condemning,
135:1,0845[B  ]| Hear what assaults I had, what snares besides,
135:1,0846[B  ]| What sieges girt me round before I consented;
135:1,0847[B  ]| Which$6#1$ might have awed the best-resolved of men,
135:1,0848[B  ]| The constantest to$9$ have yielded without blame.
135:1,0849[B  ]| It was not gold, as to$4$ my charge thou layest,
135:1,0850[B  ]| That$6#1$ wrought with me: thou knowest the magistrates
135:1,0851[B  ]| And princes of my country came in$4$ person,
135:1,0852[B  ]| Solicited, commanded, threatened, urged,
135:1,0853[B  ]| Adjured by$4$ all the bonds of civil duty
135:1,0854[B  ]| And of religion, pressed how just it was,
135:1,0855[B  ]| How honourable, how glorious to$9$ entrap
135:1,0856[B  ]| A common enemy, who$6#1$ had destroyed
135:1,0857[B  ]| Such numbers of our nation: and the priest
135:1,0858[B  ]| Was not behind, but ever at my ear,
135:1,0859[B  ]| Preaching how meritorious with the gods
135:1,0860[B  ]| It would be to$9$ ensnare an irreligious
135:1,0861[B  ]| Dishonourer of Dagon: what had I
135:1,0862[B  ]| To$9$ oppose against such powerful arguments?
135:1,0863[B  ]| Only my love of thee held long debate;
135:1,0864[B  ]| And combated in$4$ silence all these reasons
135:1,0865[B  ]| With hard contest: at length that$6#2$ grounded maxim
135:1,0866[B  ]| So$5#1$ rife and celebrated in$4$ the mouths
135:1,0867[B  ]| Of wisest men; that$3$ to$4$ the public good
135:1,0868[B  ]| Private respects must yield; with grave authority
135:1,0869[B  ]| Took full possession of me and prevailed;
135:1,0870[B  ]| Virtue, as I thought, truth, duty so$5#2$ enjoining.
135:1,0871[A  ]| <\Sam%\> I thought where all thy circling wiles would end;
135:1,0872[A  ]| In$4$ feigned religion, smooth hypocrisy.
135:1,0873[A  ]| But had thy love, still odiously pretended,
135:1,0874[A  ]| Been, as it ought, sincere, it would have taught thee
135:1,0875[A  ]| Far other reasonings, brought forth other deeds.
135:1,0876[A  ]| I before all the daughters of my tribe
135:1,0877[A  ]| And of my nation chose thee from among
135:1,0878[A  ]| My enemies, loved thee, as too well thou knewest,
135:1,0879[A  ]| Too well, unbosomed all my secrets to$4$ thee,
135:1,0880[A  ]| Not out of levity, but overpowered
135:1,0881[A  ]| By$4$ thy request, who$6#1$ could deny thee nothing;
135:1,0882[A  ]| Yet now am judged an enemy. Why then
135:1,0883[A  ]| Didst thou at first receive me for$4$ thy husband?
135:1,0884[A  ]| Then, as since then, thy country's foe professed:
135:1,0885[A  ]| Being once a wife, for$4$ me thou wast to$9$ leave
135:1,0886[A  ]| Parents and country; nor was I their subject,
135:1,0887[A  ]| Nor under their protection but my own,
135:1,0888[A  ]| Thou mine, not theirs: if aught against my life
135:1,0889[A  ]| Thy country sought of thee, it sought unjustly,
135:1,0890[A  ]| Against the law of nature, law of nations,
135:1,0891[A  ]| No$2$ more thy country, but an impious crew
135:1,0892[A  ]| Of men conspiring to$9$ uphold their state
135:1,0893[A  ]| By$4$ worse than hostile deeds, violating the ends
135:1,0894[A  ]| For$4$ which$6#1$ our country is a name so$5#1$ dear;
135:1,0895[A  ]| Not therefore to$9$ be obeyed. But zeal moved thee;
135:1,0896[A  ]| To$9$ please thy gods thou didst it; gods unable
135:1,0897[A  ]| To$9$ acquit themselves and prosecute their foes
135:1,0898[A  ]| But by$4$ ungodly deeds, the contradiction
135:1,0899[A  ]| Of their own deity, Gods cannot be:
135:1,0900[A  ]| Less therefore to$9$ be pleased, obeyed, or feared,
135:1,0901[A  ]| These false pretexts and varnished colours failing,
135:1,0902[A  ]| Bare in$4$ thy guilt how foul must thou appear!
135:1,0903[B  ]| <\Dal%\> In$4$ argument with men a woman ever
135:1,0904[B  ]| Goes by$4$ the worse, whatever be her cause.
135:1,0905[A  ]| <\Sam%\> For$4$ want of words no$2$ doubt, or lack of breath,
135:1,0906[A  ]| Witness when I was worried with thy peals.
135:1,0907[B  ]| <\Dal%\> I was a fool, too rash, and quite mistaken
135:1,0908[B  ]| In$4$ what I thought would have succeeded best.
135:1,0909[B  ]| Let me obtain forgiveness of thee, Samson,
135:1,0910[B  ]| Afford me place to$9$ show what recompense
135:1,0911[B  ]| Towards thee I intend for$4$ what I have misdone,
135:1,0912[B  ]| Misguided; only what remains past cure
135:1,0913[B  ]| Bear not too sensibly, nor still insist
135:1,0914[B  ]| To$9$ afflict thyself in$4$ vain: though sight be lost,
135:1,0915[B  ]| Life yet hath many solaces, enjoyed
135:1,0916[B  ]| Where other senses want not their delights
135:1,0917[B  ]| At home in$4$ leisure and domestic ease,
135:1,0918[B  ]| Exempt from many a care and chance to$4$ which$6#1$
135:1,0919[B  ]| Eyesight exposes daily men abroad.
135:1,0920[B  ]| I to$4$ the lords will$1$ intercede, not doubting
135:1,0921[B  ]| Their favourable ear, that$3$ I may fetch thee
135:1,0922[B  ]| From forth this loathsome prison-house, to$9$ abide
135:1,0923[B  ]| With me, where my redoubled love and care
135:1,0924[B  ]| With nursing diligence, to$4$ me glad office,
135:1,0925[B  ]| May ever tend about thee to$4$ old age
135:1,0926[B  ]| With all things grateful cheered, and so$5#2$ supplied,
135:1,0927[B  ]| That$3$ what by$4$ me thou hast lost thou least shalt miss.
135:1,0928[A  ]| <\Sam%\> No$7$, no$7$, of my condition take no$2$ care;
135:1,0929[A  ]| It fits not; thou and I long since are twain;
135:1,0930[A  ]| Nor think me so$5#1$ unwary or accursed
135:1,0931[A  ]| To$9$ bring my feet again into the snare
135:1,0932[A  ]| Where once I have been caught; I know thy trains
135:1,0933[A  ]| Though dearly to$4$ my cost, thy gins, and toils;
135:1,0934[A  ]| Thy fair enchanted cup, and warbling charms
135:1,0935[A  ]| No$2$ more on$4$ me have power, their force is nulled,
135:1,0936[A  ]| So$5#1$ much of adder's wisdom I have learnt
135:1,0937[A  ]| To$9$ fence my ear against thy sorceries.
135:1,0938[A  ]| If in$4$ my flower of youth and strength, when all men
135:1,0939[A  ]| Loved, honoured, feared me, thou alone could hate me,
135:1,0940[A  ]| Thy husband, slight me, sell me, and forgo me;
135:1,0941[A  ]| How wouldst thou use me now, blind, and thereby 
135:1,0942[A  ]| Deceivable, in$4$ most things as a child
135:1,0943[A  ]| Helpless, thence easily contemned, and scorned,
135:1,0944[A  ]| And last neglected? How wouldst thou insult
135:1,0945[A  ]| When I must live uxorious to$4$ thy will$0$
135:1,0946[A  ]| In$4$ perfect thraldom, how again betray me,
135:1,0947[A  ]| Bearing my words and doings to$4$ the lords
135:1,0948[A  ]| To$9$ gloss upon$5$, and censuring, frown or smile?
135:1,0949[A  ]| This jail I count the house of liberty
135:1,0950[A  ]| To$4$ thine whose doors my feet shall never enter.
135:1,0951[B  ]| <\Dal%\> Let me approach at least, and touch thy hand.
135:1,0952[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Not for$4$ thy life, lest fierce remembrance wake
135:1,0953[A  ]| My sudden rage to$9$ tear thee joint by$4$ joint.
135:1,0954[A  ]| At distance I forgive thee, go with that$6#2$
135:1,0955[A  ]| Bewail thy falsehood, and the pious works
135:1,0956[A  ]| It hath brought forth to$9$ make thee memorable
135:1,0957[A  ]| Among illustrious women, faithful wives:
135:1,0958[A  ]| Cherish thy hastened widowhood with the gold
135:1,0959[A  ]| Of matrimonial treason: so$3$ farewell.
135:1,0960[B  ]| <\Dal%\> I see thou art implacable, more deaf
135:1,0961[B  ]| To$4$ prayers than winds and seas, yet winds to$4$ seas
135:1,0962[B  ]| Are reconciled at length, and sea to$4$ shore:
135:1,0963[B  ]| Thy anger, unappeasable, still rages,
135:1,0964[B  ]| Eternal tempest never to$9$ be calmed.
135:1,0965[B  ]| Why do I humble thus myself, and suing
135:1,0966[B  ]| For$4$ peace, reap nothing but repulse and hate?
135:1,0967[B  ]| Bid go with evil omen and the brand
135:1,0968[B  ]| Of infamy upon$4$ my name denounced?
135:1,0969[B  ]| To$9$ mix with thy concernments I desist
135:1,0970[B  ]| Henceforth, nor too much disapprove my own.
135:1,0971[B  ]| Fame if not double-faced is double-mouthed,
135:1,0972[B  ]| And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds,
135:1,0973[B  ]| On$4$ both his wings, one black, the other white,
135:1,0974[B  ]| Bears greatest names in$4$ his wild airy flight.
135:1,0975[B  ]| My name perhaps among the circumcised
135:1,0976[B  ]| In$4$ Dan, in$4$ Judah, and the bordering tribes,
135:1,0977[B  ]| To$4$ all posterity may stand defamed,
135:1,0978[B  ]| With malediction mentioned, and the blot
135:1,0979[B  ]| Of falsehood most unconjugal traduced.
135:1,0980[B  ]| But in$4$ my country where I most desire,
135:1,0981[B  ]| In$4$ Ecron, Gaza, Asdod, and in$4$ Gath
135:1,0982[B  ]| I shall be named among the famousest
135:1,0983[B  ]| Of women, sung at solemn festivals,
135:1,0984[B  ]| Living and dead recorded, who$6#1$ to$9$ save
135:1,0985[B  ]| Her country from a fierce destroyer, chose
135:1,0986[B  ]| Above the faith of wedlock-bands, my tomb
135:1,0987[B  ]| With odours visited and annual flowers.
135:1,0988[B  ]| Not less renowned than in$4$ Mount Ephraim
135:1,0989[B  ]| Jael, who$6#1$ with inhospitable guile
135:1,0990[B  ]| Smote Sisera sleeping through the temples nailed.
135:1,0991[B  ]| Nor shall I count it heinous to$9$ enjoy
135:1,0992[B  ]| The public marks of honour and reward
135:1,0993[B  ]| Conferred upon$4$ me for$4$ the piety
135:1,0994[B  ]| Which$6#1$ to$4$ my country I was judged to$9$ have shown.
135:1,0995[B  ]| At this whoever envies or repines,
135:1,0996[B  ]| I leave him to$4$ his lot, and like$4$ my own.
135:1,0997[X  ]| <\Chor%\> She is gone, a manifest serpent by$4$ her sting
135:1,0998[X  ]| Discovered in$4$ the end, till now concealed.
135:1,0999[A  ]| <\Sam%\> So$3$ let her go, God sent her to$9$ debase me,
135:1,1000[A  ]| And aggravate my folly who$6#1$ committed
135:1,1001[A  ]| To$4$ such a viper his most sacred trust
135:1,1002[A  ]| Of secrecy, my safety, and my life.
135:1,1003[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Yet beauty, though injurious, hath strange power,
135:1,1004[X  ]| After offence returning, to$9$ regain
135:1,1005[X  ]| Love once possessed, nor can be easily
135:1,1006[X  ]| Repulsed, without much inward passion felt
135:1,1007[X  ]| And secret sting of amorous remorse.
135:1,1008[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Love-quarrels oft in$4$ pleasing concord end,
135:1,1009[A  ]| Not wedlock-treachery endangering life.
135:1,1010[X  ]| <\Chor%\> It is not virtue, wisdom, valour, wit,
135:1,1011[X  ]| Strength, comeliness of shape, or amplest merit
135:1,1012[X  ]| That$6#1$ woman's love can win or long inherit;
135:1,1013[X  ]| But what it is, hard is to$9$ say,
135:1,1014[X  ]| Harder to$9$ hit,
135:1,1015[X  ]| (Which$6#1$ way soever men refer it)
135:1,1016[X  ]| Much like$4$ thy riddle, Samson, in$4$ one day
135:1,1017[X  ]| Or seven, though one should musing sit
135:1,1018[X  ]| If any of these or all, the Timnian bride
135:1,1019[X  ]| Had not so$5#1$ soon preferred
135:1,1020[X  ]| Thy paranymph, worthless to$4$ thee compared,
135:1,1021[X  ]| Successor in$4$ thy bed,
135:1,1022[X  ]| Nor both so$5#1$ loosely disallied
135:1,1023[X  ]| Their nuptials, nor this last so$5#1$ treacherously
135:1,1024[X  ]| Had shorn the fatal harvest of thy head.
135:1,1025[X  ]| Is it for$4$ that$6#2$ such outward ornament
135:1,1026[X  ]| Was lavished on$4$ their sex, that$3$ inward gifts
135:1,1027[X  ]| Were left for$4$ haste unfinished, judgement scant,
135:1,1028[X  ]| Capacity not raised to$9$ apprehend
135:1,1029[X  ]| Or value what is best
135:1,1030[X  ]| In$4$ choice, but oftest to$9$ affect the wrong?
135:1,1031[X  ]| Or was too much of self-love mixed,
135:1,1032[X  ]| Of constancy no$2$ root infixed,
135:1,1033[X  ]| That$3$ either they love nothing, or not long?
135:1,1034[X  ]| Whatever it be, to$4$ wisest men and best
135:1,1035[X  ]| Seeming at first all heavenly under virgin veil,
135:1,1036[X  ]| Soft, modest, meek, demure,
135:1,1037[X  ]| Once joined, the contrary she proves, a thorn
135:1,1038[X  ]| Intestine, far within defensive arms
135:1,1039[X  ]| A cleaving mischief, in$4$ his way to$4$ virtue
135:1,1040[X  ]| Adverse and turbulent, or by$4$ her charms
135:1,1041[X  ]| Draws him awry enslaved
135:1,1042[X  ]| With dotage, and his sense depraved
135:1,1043[X  ]| To$4$ folly and shameful deeds which$6#1$ ruin ends.
135:1,1044[X  ]| What pilot so$5#1$ expert but needs must wreck
135:1,1045[X  ]| Embarked with such a steers-mate at the helm?
135:1,1046[X  ]| Favoured of heaven who$6#1$ finds
135:1,1047[X  ]| One virtuous rarely found,
135:1,1048[X  ]| That$6#1$ in$4$ domestic good combines:
135:1,1049[X  ]| Happy that$6#2$ house! his way to$4$ peace is smooth:
135:1,1050[X  ]| But virtue which$6#1$ breaks through all opposition,
135:1,1051[X  ]| And all temptation can remove,
135:1,1052[X  ]| Most shines and most is acceptable above.
135:1,1053[X  ]| Therefore God's universal law
135:1,1054[X  ]| Gave to$4$ the man despotic power
135:1,1055[X  ]| Over his female in$4$ due awe,
135:1,1056[X  ]| Nor from that$6#2$ right to$9$ part an hour,
135:1,1057[X  ]| Smile she or lour:
135:1,1058[X  ]| So$3$ shall he least confusion draw
135:1,1059[X  ]| On$4$ his whole life, not swayed
135:1,1060[X  ]| By$4$ female usurpation, nor dismayed.
135:1,1061[X  ]| But had we best retire, I see a storm?
135:1,1062[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Fair days have oft contracted wind and rain.
135:1,1063[X  ]| <\Chor%\> But this another kind of tempest brings.
135:1,1064[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Be less abstruse, my riddling days are past.
135:1,1065[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Look now for$4$ no$2$ enchanting voice, nor fear
135:1,1066[X  ]| The bait of honeyed words; a rougher tongue
135:1,1067[X  ]| Draws hitherward, I know him by$4$ his stride,
135:1,1068[X  ]| The giant Harapha of Gath, his look
135:1,1069[X  ]| Haughty as is his pile high-built and proud.
135:1,1070[X  ]| Comes he in$4$ peace? what wind hath blown him hither
135:1,1071[X  ]| I less conjecture than when first I saw
135:1,1072[X  ]| The sumptuous Dalila floating this way:
135:1,1073[X  ]| His habit carries peace, his brow defiance.
135:1,1074[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Or peace or not, alike to$4$ me he comes.
135:1,1075[X  ]| <\Chor%\> His fraught we soon shall know, he now arrives.
135:1,1076[D  ]| <\Har%\> I come not Samson, to$9$ condole thy chance,
135:1,1077[D  ]| As these perhaps, yet wish it had not been,
135:1,1078[D  ]| Though for$4$ no$2$ friendly intent. I am of Gath,
135:1,1079[D  ]| Men call me Harapha, of stock renowned
135:1,1080[D  ]| As Og or Anak and the Emims old
135:1,1081[D  ]| That$6#1$ Kiriathaim held, thou knowest me now
135:1,1082[D  ]| If thou at all art known.  Much I have heard
135:1,1083[D  ]| Of thy prodigious might and feats performed
135:1,1084[D  ]| Incredible to$4$ me, in$4$ this displeased,
135:1,1085[D  ]| That$3$ I was never present on$4$ the place
135:1,1086[D  ]| Of those encounters, where we might have tried
135:1,1087[D  ]| Each other's force in$4$ camp or listed field:
135:1,1088[D  ]| And now am come to$9$ see of whom such noise
135:1,1089[D  ]| Hath walked about, and each limb to$9$ survey,
135:1,1090[D  ]| If thy appearance answer loud report.
135:1,1091[A  ]| <\Sam%\> The way to$9$ know were not to$9$ see but taste.
135:1,1092[D  ]| <\Har%\> Dost thou already single me; I thought
135:1,1093[D  ]| Gyves and the mill had tamed thee? O that$3$ fortune
135:1,1094[D  ]| Had brought me to$4$ the field where thou art famed
135:1,1095[D  ]| To$9$ have wrought such wonders with an ass's jaw;
135:1,1096[D  ]| I should have forced thee soon wish other arms,
135:1,1097[D  ]| Or left thy carcase where the ass lay thrown:
135:1,1098[D  ]| So$3$ had the glory of prowess been recovered
135:1,1099[D  ]| To$4$ Palestine, won by$4$ a Philistine
135:1,1100[D  ]| From the unforeskinned race, of whom thou bearest
135:1,1101[D  ]| The highest name for$4$ valiant acts, that$6#2$ honour
135:1,1102[D  ]| Certain to$9$ have won by$4$ mortal duel from thee,
135:1,1103[D  ]| I lose, prevented by$4$ thy eyes put out.
135:1,1104[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Boast not of what thou wouldst have done, but do
135:1,1105[A  ]| What then thou wouldst, thou seest it in$4$ thy hand.
135:1,1106[D  ]| <\Har%\> To$9$ combat with a blind man I disdain,
135:1,1107[D  ]| And thou hast need much washing to$9$ be touched.
135:1,1108[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Such usage as your honourable lords
135:1,1109[A  ]| Afford me assassinated and betrayed,
135:1,1110[A  ]| Who$6#1$ durst not with their whole united powers
135:1,1111[A  ]| In$4$ fight withstand me single and unarmed,
135:1,1112[A  ]| Nor in$4$ the house with chamber ambushes
135:1,1113[A  ]| Close-banded durst attack me, no$2$ not sleeping,
135:1,1114[A  ]| Till they had hired a woman with their gold
135:1,1115[A  ]| Breaking her marriage faith to$9$ circumvent me.
135:1,1116[A  ]| Therefore without feigned shifts, let be assigned
135:1,1117[A  ]| Some narrow space enclosed, where sight may give thee,
135:1,1118[A  ]| Or rather flight, no$2$ great advantage on$4$ me;
135:1,1119[A  ]| Then put on$5$ all thy gorgeous arms, thy helmet
135:1,1120[A  ]| And brigandine of brass, thy broad habergeon,
135:1,1121[A  ]| Vantbrace and greaves, and gauntlet, add thy spear
135:1,1122[A  ]| A weaver's beam, and seven-times-folded shield,
135:1,1123[A  ]| I only with an oaken staff will$1$ meet thee,
135:1,1124[A  ]| And raise such outcries on$4$ thy clattered iron,
135:1,1125[A  ]| Which$6#1$ long shall not withhold me from thy head,
135:1,1126[A  ]| That$3$ in$4$ a little time while breath remains thee,
135:1,1127[A  ]| Thou oft shalt wish thyself at Gath to$9$ boast
135:1,1128[A  ]| Again in$4$ safety what thou wouldst have done
135:1,1129[A  ]| To$4$ Samson, but shalt never see Gath more.
135:1,1130[D  ]| <\Har%\> Thou durst not thus disparage glorious arms
135:1,1131[D  ]| Which$6#1$ greatest heroes have in$4$ battle worn,
135:1,1132[D  ]| Their ornament and safety, had not spells
135:1,1133[D  ]| And black enchantments, some magician's art,
135:1,1134[D  ]| Armed thee or charmed thee strong, which$6#1$ thou from heaven
135:1,1135[D  ]| Feignedst at thy birth was given thee in$4$ thy hair,
135:1,1136[D  ]| Where strength can least abide, though all thy hairs
135:1,1137[D  ]| Were bristles ranged like$4$ those that$6#1$ ridge the back
135:1,1138[D  ]| Of chafed wild bears or ruffled porcupines.
135:1,1139[A  ]| <\Sam%\> I know no$2$ spells, use no$2$ forbidden arts;
135:1,1140[A  ]| My trust is in$4$ the living God who$6#1$ gave me
135:1,1141[A  ]| At my nativity this strength, diffused
135:1,1142[A  ]| No$2$ less through all my sinews, joints and bones,
135:1,1143[A  ]| Than thine, while I preserved these locks unshorn,
135:1,1144[A  ]| The pledge of my unviolated vow.
135:1,1145[A  ]| For$4$ proof hereof, if Dagon be thy god,
135:1,1146[A  ]| Go to$4$ his temple, invocate his aid
135:1,1147[A  ]| With solemnest devotion, spread before him
135:1,1148[A  ]| How highly it concerns his glory now
135:1,1149[A  ]| To$9$ frustrate and dissolve these magic spells,
135:1,1150[A  ]| Which$6#1$ I to$9$ be the power of Israel's God
135:1,1151[A  ]| Avow, and challenge Dagon to$4$ the test,
135:1,1152[A  ]| Offering to$9$ combat thee his champion bold,
135:1,1153[A  ]| With the utmost of his godhead seconded:
135:1,1154[A  ]| Then thou shalt see, or rather to$4$ thy sorrow
135:1,1155[A  ]| Soon feel, whose God is strongest, thine or mine.
135:1,1156[D  ]| <\Har%\> Presume not on$4$ thy God, whatever he be,
135:1,1157[D  ]| Thee he regards not, owns not, hath cut off
135:1,1158[D  ]| Quite from his people, and delivered up$5$
135:1,1159[D  ]| Into thy enemies' hand, permitted them
135:1,1160[D  ]| To$9$ put out both thine eyes, and fettered send thee
135:1,1161[D  ]| Into the common prison, there to$9$ grind
135:1,1162[D  ]| Among the slaves and asses thy comrades,
135:1,1163[D  ]| As good for$4$ nothing else, no$2$ better service
135:1,1164[D  ]| With those thy boisterous locks, no$2$ worthy match
135:1,1165[D  ]| For$4$ valour to$9$ assail, nor by$4$ the sword
135:1,1166[D  ]| Of noble warrior, so$5#2$ to$9$ stain his honour,
135:1,1167[D  ]| But by$4$ the barber's razor best subdued.
135:1,1168[A  ]| <\Sam%\> All these indignities, for$3$ such they are
135:1,1169[A  ]| From thine, these evils I deserve and more,
135:1,1170[A  ]| Acknowledge them from god inflicted on$4$ me
135:1,1171[A  ]| Justly, yet despair not of his final pardon
135:1,1172[A  ]| Whose ear is ever open; and his eye
135:1,1173[A  ]| Gracious to$9$ readmit the suppliant;
135:1,1174[A  ]| In$4$ confidence whereof I once again
135:1,1175[A  ]| Defy thee to$4$ the trial of mortal fight,
135:1,1176[A  ]| By$4$ combat to$9$ decide whose god is God,
135:1,1177[A  ]| Thine or whom I with Israel's sons adore.
135:1,1178[D  ]| <\Har%\> Fair honour that$6#1$ thou dost thy God, in$4$ trusting
135:1,1179[D  ]| He will$1$ accept thee to$9$ defend his cause,
135:1,1180[D  ]| A murderer, a revolter, and a robber.
135:1,1181[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Tongue-doughty giant, how dost thou prove me these?
135:1,1182[D  ]| <\Har%\> Is not thy nation subject to$4$ our lords?
135:1,1183[D  ]| Their magistrates confessed it, when they took thee
135:1,1184[D  ]| As a league-breaker and delivered bound
135:1,1185[D  ]| Into our hands: for$3$ hadst thou not committed
135:1,1186[D  ]| Notorious murder on$4$ those thirty men
135:1,1187[D  ]| At Ascalon, who$6#1$ never did thee harm,
135:1,1188[D  ]| Then like$4$ a robber strippedst them of their robes?
135:1,1189[D  ]| The Philistines, when thou hadst broke the league,
135:1,1190[D  ]| Went up$5$ with armed powers thee only seeking,
135:1,1191[D  ]| To$4$ others did no$2$ violence nor spoil.
135:1,1192[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Among the daughters of the Philistines
135:1,1193[A  ]| I chose a wife, which$6#1$ argued me no$2$ foe;
135:1,1194[A  ]| And in$4$ your city held my nuptial feast:
135:1,1195[A  ]| But your ill-meaning politician lords,
135:1,1196[A  ]| Under pretence of bridal friends and guests,
135:1,1197[A  ]| Appointed to$9$ await me thirty spies,
135:1,1198[A  ]| Who$6#1$ threatening cruel death constrained the bride
135:1,1199[A  ]| To$9$ wring from me and tell to$4$ them my secret,
135:1,1200[A  ]| That$6#1$ solved the riddle which$6#1$ I had proposed.
135:1,1201[A  ]| When I perceived all set on$4$ enmity,
135:1,1202[A  ]| As on$4$ my enemies, wherever chanced,
135:1,1203[A  ]| I used hostility, and took their spoil
135:1,1204[A  ]| To$9$ pay my underminers in$4$ their coin.
135:1,1205[A  ]| My nation was subjected to$4$ your lords.
135:1,1206[A  ]| It was the force of conquest; force with force
135:1,1207[A  ]| Is well ejected when the conquered can.
135:1,1208[A  ]| But I a private person, whom my country
135:1,1209[A  ]| As a league-breaker gave up$5$ bound, presumed
135:1,1210[A  ]| Single rebellion and did hostile acts.
135:1,1211[A  ]| I was no$2$ private but a person raised
135:1,1212[A  ]| With strength sufficient and command from heaven
135:1,1213[A  ]| To$9$ free my country; if their servile minds
135:1,1214[A  ]| Me their deliverer sent would not receive,
135:1,1215[A  ]| But to$4$ their masters gave me up$5$ for$4$ nought,
135:1,1216[A  ]| The unworthier they; whence to$4$ this day they serve.
135:1,1217[A  ]| I was to$9$ do my part from heaven assigned,
135:1,1218[A  ]| And had performed it if my known offence
135:1,1219[A  ]| Had not disabled me, not all your force:
135:1,1220[A  ]| These shifts refuted, answer thy appellant
135:1,1221[A  ]| Though by$4$ his blindness maimed for$4$ high attempts,
135:1,1222[A  ]| Who$6#1$ now defies thee thrice to$4$ single fight,
135:1,1223[A  ]| As a petty enterprise of small enforce.
135:1,1224[D  ]| <\Har%\> With thee a man condemned, a slave enrolled,
135:1,1225[D  ]| Due by$4$ the law to$4$ capital punishment?
135:1,1226[D  ]| To$9$ fight with thee no$2$ man of arms will$1$ deign.
135:1,1227[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Camest thou for$4$ this, vain boaster, to$9$ survey me,
135:1,1228[A  ]| To$9$ descant on$4$ my strength, and give thy verdict?
135:1,1229[A  ]| Come nearer, part not hence so$5#1$ slight informed;
135:1,1230[A  ]| But take good heed my hand survey not thee.
135:1,1231[D  ]| <\Har%\> O Baal-zebub! Can my ears unused
135:1,1232[D  ]| Hear these dishonours, and not render death?
135:1,1233[A  ]| <\Sam%\> No$2$ man withholds thee, nothing from thy hand
135:1,1234[A  ]| Fear I incurable; bring up$5$ thy van,
135:1,1235[A  ]| My heels are fettered, but my fist is free.
135:1,1236[D  ]| <\Har%\> This insolence other kind of answer fits.
135:1,1237[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Go baffled coward, lest I run upon$4$ thee,
135:1,1238[A  ]| Though in$4$ these chains, bulk without spirit vast,
135:1,1239[A  ]| And with one buffet lay thy structure low,
135:1,1240[A  ]| Or swing thee in$4$ the air, then dash thee down
135:1,1241[A  ]| To$4$ the hazard of thy brains and shattered sides.
135:1,1242[D  ]| <\Har%\> By$4$ Astaroth before long thou shalt lament
135:1,1243[D  ]| These braveries in$4$ irons loaden on$4$ thee.
135:1,1244[X  ]| <\Chor%\> His giantship is gone somewhat crestfallen,
135:1,1245[X  ]| Stalking with less unconscionable strides,
135:1,1246[X  ]| And lower looks, but in$4$ a sultry chafe.
135:1,1247[A  ]| <\Sam%\> I dread him not, nor all his giant-brood,
135:1,1248[A  ]| Though fame divulge him father of five sons
135:1,1249[A  ]| All of gigantic size, Goliah chief.
135:1,1250[X  ]| <\Chor%\> He will$1$ directly to$4$ the lords, I fear,
135:1,1251[X  ]| And with malicious counsel stir them up$5$
135:1,1252[X  ]| Some way or other yet further to$9$ afflict thee.
135:1,1253[A  ]| <\Sam%\> He must allege some cause, and offered fight
135:1,1254[A  ]| Will$1$ not dare mention, lest a question rise
135:1,1255[A  ]| Whether he durst accept the offer or not,
135:1,1256[A  ]| And that$3$ he durst not plain enough appeared.
135:1,1257[A  ]| Much more affliction than already felt
135:1,1258[A  ]| They cannot well impose, nor I sustain;
135:1,1259[A  ]| If they intend advantage of my labours
135:1,1260[A  ]| The work of many hands, which$6#1$ earns my keeping
135:1,1261[A  ]| With no$2$ small profit daily to$4$ my owners.
135:1,1262[A  ]| But come what will$1$, my deadliest foe will$1$ prove
135:1,1263[A  ]| My speediest friend, by$4$ death to$9$ rid me hence,
135:1,1264[A  ]| The worst that$6#1$ he can give, to$4$ me the best.
135:1,1265[A  ]| Yet so$5#2$ it may fall out, because their end 
135:1,1266[A  ]| Is hate, not help to$4$ me, it may with mine
135:1,1267[A  ]| Draw their own ruin who$6#1$ attempt the deed.
135:1,1268[X  ]| <\Chor%\> O how comely it is and how reviving
135:1,1269[X  ]| To$4$ the spirits of just men long oppressed!
135:1,1270[X  ]| When God into the hands of their deliverer
135:1,1271[X  ]| Puts invincible might
135:1,1272[X  ]| To$9$ quell the mighty of the earth, the oppressor,
135:1,1273[X  ]| The brute and boisterous force of violent men
135:1,1274[X  ]| Hardy and industrious to$9$ support
135:1,1275[X  ]| Tyrannic power, but raging to$9$ pursue
135:1,1276[X  ]| The righteous and all such as honour truth;
135:1,1277[X  ]| He all their ammunition
135:1,1278[X  ]| And feats of war defeats
135:1,1279[X  ]| With plain heroic magnitude of mind
135:1,1280[X  ]| And celestial vigour armed,
135:1,1281[X  ]| Their armouries and magazines contemns,
135:1,1282[X  ]| Renders them useless, while
135:1,1283[X  ]| With winged expedition
135:1,1284[X  ]| Swift as the lightning glance he executes
135:1,1285[X  ]| His errand on$4$ the wicked, who$6#1$ surprised
135:1,1286[X  ]| Lose their defence distracted and amazed.
135:1,1287[X  ]| But patience is more oft the exercise
135:1,1288[X  ]| Of saints, the trial of their fortitude,
135:1,1289[X  ]| Making them each his own deliverer,
135:1,1290[X  ]| And victor over all
135:1,1291[X  ]| That$6#1$ tyranny or fortune can inflict,
135:1,1292[X  ]| Either of these is in$4$ thy lot,
135:1,1293[X  ]| Samson, with might endued
135:1,1294[X  ]| Above the sons of men; but sight bereaved
135:1,1295[X  ]| May chance to$9$ number thee with those
135:1,1296[X  ]| Whom patience finally must crown.
135:1,1297[X  ]| This idol's day hath been to$4$ thee no$2$ day of rest,
135:1,1298[X  ]| Labouring thy mind
135:1,1299[X  ]| More than the working day thy hands,
135:1,1300[X  ]| And yet perhaps more trouble is behind.
135:1,1301[X  ]| For$3$ I descry this way
135:1,1302[X  ]| Some other tending, in$4$ his hand
135:1,1303[X  ]| A sceptre or quaint staff he bears,
135:1,1304[X  ]| Comes on$5$ amain, speed in$4$ his look.
135:1,1305[X  ]| By$4$ his habit I discern him now
135:1,1306[X  ]| A public officer, and now at hand.
135:1,1307[X  ]| His message will$1$ be short and voluble.
135:1,1308[E  ]| <\Off%\> Hebrews, the prisoner Samson here I seek.
135:1,1309[X  ]| <\Chor%\> His manacles remark him, there he sits.
135:1,1310[E  ]| <\Off%\> Samson, to$4$ thee our lords thus bid me say;
135:1,1311[E  ]| This day to$4$ Dagon is a solemn feast,
135:1,1312[E  ]| With sacrifices, triumph, pomp, and games;
135:1,1313[E  ]| Thy strength they know surpassing human rate,
135:1,1314[E  ]| And now some public proof thereof require
135:1,1315[E  ]| To$9$ honour this great feast, and great assembly;
135:1,1316[E  ]| Rise therefore with all speed and come along,
135:1,1317[E  ]| Where I will$1$ see thee heartened and fresh clad
135:1,1318[E  ]| To$9$ appear as fits before the illustrious lords.
135:1,1319[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Thou knowest I am an Hebrew, therefore tell them,
135:1,1320[A  ]| Our law forbids at their religious rites
135:1,1321[A  ]| My presence; for$4$ that$6#2$ cause I cannot come.
135:1,1322[E  ]| <\Off%\> This answer, be assured, will$1$ not content them.
135:1,1323[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Have they not sword-players, and every sort
135:1,1324[A  ]| Of gymnic artists, wrestlers, riders, runners,
135:1,1325[A  ]| Jugglers and dancers, antics, mummers, mimics,
135:1,1326[A  ]| But they must pick me out with shackles tired,
135:1,1327[A  ]| And over-laboured at their public mill,
135:1,1328[A  ]| To$9$ make them sport with blind activity?
135:1,1329[A  ]| Do they not seek occasion of new quarrels
135:1,1330[A  ]| On$4$ my refusal to$9$ distress me more,
135:1,1331[A  ]| Or make a game of my calamities?
135:1,1332[A  ]| Return the way thou camest, I will$1$ not come.
135:1,1333[E  ]| <\Off%\> Regard thyself, this will$1$ offend them highly.
135:1,1334[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Myself? my conscience and internal peace.
135:1,1335[A  ]| Can they think me so$5#1$ broken, so$5#1$ debased
135:1,1336[A  ]| With corporal servitude, that$3$ my mind ever
135:1,1337[A  ]| Will$1$ condescend to$4$ such absurd commands?
135:1,1338[A  ]| Although their drudge, to$9$ be their fool or jester,
135:1,1339[A  ]| And in$4$ my midst of sorrow and heart-grief
135:1,1340[A  ]| To$9$ show them feats, and play before their god,
135:1,1341[A  ]| The worst of all indignities, yet on$4$ me
135:1,1342[A  ]| Joined with extreme contempt? I will$1$ not come.
135:1,1343[E  ]| <\Off%\> My message was imposed on$4$ me with speed,
135:1,1344[E  ]| Brooks no$2$ delay: is this thy resolution?
135:1,1345[A  ]| <\Sam%\> So$3$ take it with what speed thy message needs.
135:1,1346[E  ]| <\Off%\> I am sorry what this stoutness will$1$ produce.
135:1,1347[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Perhaps thou shalt have cause to$9$ sorrow indeed.
135:1,1348[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Consider, Samson; matters now are strained
135:1,1349[X  ]| Up$5$ to$4$ the height, whether to$9$ hold or break;
135:1,1350[X  ]| He is gone, and who$6#2$ knows how he may report
135:1,1351[X  ]| Thy words by$4$ adding fuel to$4$ the flame?
135:1,1352[X  ]| Expect another message more imperious,
135:1,1353[X  ]| More lordly thundering than thou well wilt bear.
135:1,1354[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Shall I abuse this consecrated gift
135:1,1355[A  ]| Of strength, again returning with my hair
135:1,1356[A  ]| After my great transgression, so$5#2$ requite
135:1,1357[A  ]| Favour renewed, and add a greater sin
135:1,1358[A  ]| By$4$ prostituting holy things to$4$ idols;
135:1,1359[A  ]| A Nazarite in$4$ place abominable
135:1,1360[A  ]| Vaunting my strength in$4$ honour to$4$ their Dagon?
135:1,1361[A  ]| Besides, how vile, contemptible, ridiculous,
135:1,1362[A  ]| What act more execrably unclean, profane
135:1,1363[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Yet with this strength thou servest the Philistines,
135:1,1364[X  ]| Idolatrous, uncircumcised, unclean.
135:1,1365[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Not in$4$ their idol-worship, but by$4$ labour
135:1,1366[A  ]| Honest and lawful to$9$ deserve my food
135:1,1367[A  ]| Of those who$6#1$ have me in$4$ their civil power.
135:1,1368[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Where the heart joins not, outward acts defile not.
135:1,1369[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Where outward force constrains, the sentence holds
135:1,1370[A  ]| But who$6#2$ constrains me to$4$ the temple of Dagon,
135:1,1371[A  ]| Not dragging? the Philistian lords command.
135:1,1372[A  ]| Commands are no$2$ constraints. If I obey them,
135:1,1373[A  ]| I do it freely; venturing to$9$ displease
135:1,1374[A  ]| God for$4$ the fear of man, and man prefer,
135:1,1375[A  ]| Set God behind: which$6#1$ in$4$ his jealousy
135:1,1376[A  ]| Shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness.
135:1,1377[A  ]| Yet that$3$ he may dispense with me or thee
135:1,1378[A  ]| Present in$4$ temples at idolatrous rites
135:1,1379[A  ]| For$4$ some important cause, thou needest not doubt.
135:1,1380[X  ]| <\Chor%\> How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach.
135:1,1381[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Be of good courage, I begin to$9$ feel
135:1,1382[A  ]| Some rousing motions in$4$ me which$6#1$ dispose
135:1,1383[A  ]| To$4$ something extraordinary my thoughts.
135:1,1384[A  ]| I with this messenger will$1$ go along,
135:1,1385[A  ]| Nothing to$9$ do, be sure, that$6#1$ may dishonour
135:1,1386[A  ]| Our Law, or stain my vow of Nazarite.
135:1,1387[A  ]| If there be aught of presage in$4$ the mind,
135:1,1388[A  ]| This day will$1$ be remarkable in$4$ my life
135:1,1389[A  ]| By$4$ some great act, or of my days my last.
135:1,1390[X  ]| <\Chor%\> In$4$ time thou hast resolved, the man returns.
135:1,1391[E  ]| <\Off%\> Samson, this second message from our lords
135:1,1392[E  ]| To$4$ thee I am bid say. Art thou our slave,
135:1,1393[E  ]| Our captive, at the public mill our drudge,
135:1,1394[E  ]| And darest thou at our sending and command
135:1,1395[E  ]| Dispute thy coming? come without delay;
135:1,1396[E  ]| Or we shall find such engines to$9$ assail
135:1,1397[E  ]| And hamper thee, as thou shalt come of force,
135:1,1398[E  ]| Though thou wert firmlier fastened than a rock.
135:1,1399[A  ]| <\Sam%\> I could be well content to$9$ try their art,
135:1,1400[A  ]| Which$6#1$ to$4$ no$2$ few of them would prove pernicious.
135:1,1401[A  ]| Yet knowing their advantages too many,
135:1,1402[A  ]| Because they shall not trail me through their streets
135:1,1403[A  ]| Like$4$ a wild beast, I am content to$9$ go.
135:1,1404[A  ]| Masters' commands come with a power resistless
135:1,1405[A  ]| To$4$ such as owe them absolute subjection;
135:1,1406[A  ]| And for$4$ a life who$6#2$ will$1$ not change his purpose?
135:1,1407[A  ]| (So$5#1$ mutable are all the ways of men)
135:1,1408[A  ]| Yet this be sure, in$4$ nothing to$9$ comply
135:1,1409[A  ]| Scandalous or forbidden in$4$ our Law.
135:1,1410[E  ]| <\Off%\> I praise thy resolution, doff these links:
135:1,1411[E  ]| By$4$ this compliance thou wilt win the lords
135:1,1412[E  ]| To$9$ favour, and perhaps to$9$ set thee free.
135:1,1413[A  ]| <\Sam%\> Brethren farewell, your company along
135:1,1414[A  ]| I will$1$ not wish, lest it perhaps offend them
135:1,1415[A  ]| To$9$ see me girt with friends; and how the sight
135:1,1416[A  ]| Of me as of a common enemy,
135:1,1417[A  ]| So$5#1$ dreaded once, may now exasperate them
135:1,1418[A  ]| I know not. Lords are lordliest in$4$ their wine;
135:1,1419[A  ]| And the well-feasted priest then soonest fired
135:1,1420[A  ]| With zeal, if aught religion seem concerned:
135:1,1421[A  ]| No$2$ less the people on$4$ their holy-days
135:1,1422[A  ]| Impetuous, insolent, unquenchable;
135:1,1423[A  ]| Happen what may, of me expect to$9$ hear
135:1,1424[A  ]| Nothing dishonourable, impure, unworthy
135:1,1425[A  ]| Our God, our Law, my nation, or myself,
135:1,1426[A  ]| The last of me or no$5$ I cannot warrant.
135:1,1427[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Go, and the Holy One
135:1,1428[X  ]| Of Israel be thy guide
135:1,1429[X  ]| To$4$ what may serve his glory best, and spread his name
135:1,1430[X  ]| Great among the heathen round:
135:1,1431[X  ]| Send thee the angel of thy birth, to$9$ stand
135:1,1432[X  ]| Fast by$4$ thy side, who$6#1$ from thy father's field
135:1,1433[X  ]| Rode up$5$ in$4$ flames after his message told
135:1,1434[X  ]| Of thy conception, and be now a shield
135:1,1435[X  ]| Of fire; that$6#2$ spirit that$6#1$ first rushed on$4$ thee
135:1,1436[X  ]| In$4$ the camp of Dan
135:1,1437[X  ]| Be efficacious in$4$ thee now at need.
135:1,1438[X  ]| For$3$ never was from heaven imparted
135:1,1439[X  ]| Measure of strength so$5#1$ great to$4$ mortal seed,
135:1,1440[X  ]| As in$4$ thy wondrous actions hath been seen.
135:1,1441[X  ]| But wherefore comes old Manoa in$4$ such haste
135:1,1442[X  ]| With youthful steps? much  livelier than erewhile
135:1,1443[X  ]| He seems: supposing here to$9$ find his son,
135:1,1444[X  ]| Or of him bringing to$4$ us some glad news?
135:1,1445[C  ]| <\Man%\> Peace with you brethren; my inducement hither
135:1,1446[C  ]| Was not at present here to$9$ find my son,
135:1,1447[C  ]| By$4$ order of the lords new parted hence
135:1,1448[C  ]| To$9$ come and play before them at their feast.
135:1,1449[C  ]| I heard all as I came, the city rings
135:1,1450[C  ]| And numbers thither flock, I had no$2$ will$0$,
135:1,1451[C  ]| Lest I should see him forced to$4$ things unseemly.
135:1,1452[C  ]| But that$6#2$ which$6#1$ moved my coming now, was chiefly
135:1,1453[C  ]| To$9$ give ye part with me what hope I have
135:1,1454[C  ]| With good success to$9$ work his liberty.
135:1,1455[X  ]| <\Chor%\> That$6#2$ hope would much rejoice us to$9$ partake
135:1,1456[X  ]| With thee; say reverend sire, we thirst to$9$ hear.
135:1,1457[C  ]| <\Man%\> I have attempted one by$4$ one the lords,
135:1,1458[C  ]| Either at home, or through the high street passing,
135:1,1459[C  ]| With supplication prone and father's tears
135:1,1460[C  ]| To$9$ accept of ransom for$4$ my son their prisoner,
135:1,1461[C  ]| Some much averse I found and wondrous harsh,
135:1,1462[C  ]| Contemptuous, proud, set on$4$ revenge and spite;
135:1,1463[C  ]| That$6#2$ part most reverenced Dagon and his priests,
135:1,1464[C  ]| Others more moderate seeming, but their aim
135:1,1465[C  ]| Private reward, for$4$ which$6#1$ both god and state
135:1,1466[C  ]| They easily would set to$4$ sale, a third
135:1,1467[C  ]| More generous far and civil, who$6#1$ confessed
135:1,1468[C  ]| They had enough revenged, having reduced
135:1,1469[C  ]| Their foe to$4$ misery beneath their fears,
135:1,1470[C  ]| The rest was magnanimity to$9$ remit,
135:1,1471[C  ]| If some convenient ransom were proposed.
135:1,1472[C  ]| What noise or shout was that$6#2$? It tore the sky.
135:1,1473[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Doubtless the people shouting to$9$ behold
135:1,1474[X  ]| Their once great dread, captive, and blind before them,
135:1,1475[X  ]| Or at some proof of strength before them shown.
135:1,1476[C  ]| <\Man%\> His ransom, if my whole inheritance
135:1,1477[C  ]| May compass it, shall willingly be paid
135:1,1478[C  ]| And numbered down: much rather I shall choose
135:1,1479[C  ]| To$9$ live the poorest in$4$ my tribe, than richest,
135:1,1480[C  ]| And he in$4$ that$6#2$ calamitous prison left.
135:1,1481[C  ]| No$7$, I am fixed not to$9$ part hence without him.
135:1,1482[C  ]| For$4$ his redemption all my patrimony,
135:1,1483[C  ]| If need be, I am ready to$9$ forgo
135:1,1484[C  ]| And quit: not wanting him, I shall want nothing.
135:1,1485[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Fathers are wont to$9$ lay up$5$ for$4$ their sons,
135:1,1486[X  ]| Thou for$4$ thy son art bent to$9$ lay out all;
135:1,1487[X  ]| Sons wont to$9$ nurse their parents in$4$ old age,
135:1,1488[X  ]| Thou in$4$ old age carest how to$9$ nurse thy son,
135:1,1489[X  ]| Made older than thy age through eyesight lost.
135:1,1490[C  ]| <\Man%\> It shall be my delight to$9$ tend his eyes,
135:1,1491[C  ]| And view him sitting in$4$ the house, ennobled
135:1,1492[C  ]| With all those high exploits by$4$ him achieved,
135:1,1493[C  ]| And on$4$ his shoulders waving down those locks
135:1,1494[C  ]| That$6#1$ of a nation armed the strength contained:
135:1,1495[C  ]| And I persuade me God had not permitted
135:1,1496[C  ]| His strength again to$9$ grow up$5$ with his hair
135:1,1497[C  ]| Garrisoned round about him like$4$ a camp
135:1,1498[C  ]| Of faithful soldiery, were not his purpose
135:1,1499[C  ]| To$9$ use him further yet in$4$ some great service,
135:1,1500[C  ]| Not to$9$ sit idle with so$5#1$ great a gift
135:1,1501[C  ]| Useless, and thence ridiculous about him.
135:1,1502[C  ]| And since his strength with eyesight was not lost,
135:1,1503[C  ]| God will$1$ restore him eyesight to$4$ his strength.
135:1,1504[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Thy hopes are not ill founded nor seem vain
135:1,1505[X  ]| Of his delivery, and thy joy thereon
135:1,1506[X  ]| Conceived, agreeable to$4$ a father's love,
135:1,1507[X  ]| In$4$ both which$6#1$ we, as next participate.
135:1,1509[C  ]| <\Man%\> I know your friendly minds ~~ and O what noise?
135:1,1509[C  ]| Mercy of heaven what hideous noise was that$6#2$?
135:1,1510[C  ]| Horribly loud unlike the former shout.
135:1,1511[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Noise call you it or universal groan
135:1,1512[X  ]| As if the whole inhabitation perished,
135:1,1513[X  ]| Blood, death, and deathful deeds are in$4$ that$6#2$ noise,
135:1,1514[X  ]| Ruin, destruction at the utmost point.
135:1,1515[C  ]| <\Man%\> Of ruin indeed methought I heard the noise,
135:1,1516[C  ]| O it continues, they have slain my son.
135:1,1517[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Thy son is rather slaying them, that$6#2$ outcry
135:1,1518[X  ]| From slaughter of one foe could not ascend.
135:1,1519[C  ]| <\Man%\> Some dismal accident it needs must be;
135:1,1520[C  ]| What shall we do, stay here or run and see?
135:1,1521[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Best keep together here, lest running thither
135:1,1522[X  ]| We unawares run into danger's mouth.
135:1,1523[X  ]| This evil on$4$ the Philistines is fallen,
135:1,1524[X  ]| From whom else could a general cry be heard?
135:1,1525[X  ]| The sufferers then will$1$ scarce molest us here,
135:1,1526[X  ]| From other hands we need not much to$9$ fear.
135:1,1527[X  ]| What if his eyesight (for$3$ to$4$ Israel's God
135:1,1528[X  ]| Nothing is hard) by$4$ miracle restored,
135:1,1529[X  ]| He now be dealing dole among his foes,
135:1,1530[X  ]| And over heaps of slaughtered walk his way?
135:1,1531[C  ]| <\Man%\> That$6#2$ were a joy presumptuous to$9$ be thought.
135:1,1532[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Yet God hath wrought things as incredible
135:1,1533[X  ]| For$4$ his people of old; what hinders now?
135:1,1534[C  ]| <\Man%\> He can I know, but doubt to$9$ think he will$1$;
135:1,1535[C  ]| Yet hope would fain subscribe, and tempts belief.
135:1,1536[C  ]| A little stay will$1$ bring some notice hither.
135:1,1537[X  ]| <\Chor%\> Of good or bad so$5#1$ great, of bad the sooner;
135:1,1538[X  ]| For$3$ evil news rides post, while good news baits.
135:1,1539[X  ]| And to$4$ our wish I see one hither speeding,
135:1,1540[X  ]| A Hebrew, as I guess, and of our tribe.
135:1,1541[F  ]| <\Messenger%\> O whither shall I run, or which$6#1$ way fly
135:1,1542[F  ]| The sight of this so$5#1$ horrid spectacle
135:1,1543[F  ]| Which$6#1$ erst my eyes beheld and yet behold;
135:1,1544[F  ]| For$3$ dire imagination still pursues me.
135:1,1545[F  ]| But providence or instinct of nature seems,
135:1,1546[F  ]| Or reason though disturbed, and scarce consulted
135:1,1547[F  ]| To$9$ have guided me aright, I know not how,
135:1,1548[F  ]| To$4$ thee first reverend Manoa, and to$4$ these
135:1,1549[F  ]| My countrymen, whom here I knew remaining,
135:1,1550[F  ]| As at some distance from the place of horror,
135:1,1551[F  ]| So$3$ in$4$ the sad event too much concerned.
135:1,1552[C  ]| <\Man%\> The accident was loud, and here before thee
135:1,1553[C  ]| With rueful cry, yet what it was we hear not,
135:1,1554[C  ]| No$2$ preface needs, thou seest we long to$9$ know.
135:1,1555[F  ]| <\Mess%\> It would burst forth, but I recover breath,
135:1,1556[F  ]| And sense distract, to$9$ know well what I utter.
135:1,1557[C  ]| <\Man%\> Tell us the sum, the circumstance defer.
135:1,1558[F  ]| <\Mess%\> Gaza yet stands, but all her sons are fallen,
135:1,1559[F  ]| All in$4$ a moment overwhelmed and fallen.
135:1,1560[C  ]| <\Man%\> Sad, but thou knowest to$4$ Israelites not saddest
135:1,1561[C  ]| The desolation of a hostile city.
135:1,1562[F  ]| <\Mess%\>  Feed on$4$ that$6#2$ first, there may in$4$ grief be surfeit.
135:1,1563[C  ]| <\Man%\> Relate by$4$ whom.
135:1,1563[F  ]| <\Mess%\> By$4$ Samson.
135:1,1563[C  ]| <\Man%\> That$6#2$ still lessens
135:1,1564[C  ]| The sorrow and converts it nigh to$4$ joy.
135:1,1565[F  ]| <\Mess%\> Ah Manoa I refrain, too suddenly
135:1,1566[F  ]| To$9$ utter what will$1$ come at last too soon;
135:1,1567[F  ]| Lest evil tidings with too rude irruption
135:1,1568[F  ]| Hitting thy aged ear should pierce too deep.
135:1,1569[C  ]| <\Man%\> Suspense in$4$ news is torture, speak them out.
135:1,1570[F  ]| <\Mess%\> Then take the worst in$4$ brief, Samson is dead.
135:1,1571[C  ]| <\Man%\> The worst indeed, O all my hope is defeated
135:1,1572[C  ]| To$9$ free him hence! but death who$6#1$ sets all free
135:1,1573[C  ]| Hath paid his ransom now and full discharge.
135:1,1574[C  ]| What windy joy this day had I conceived
135:1,1575[C  ]| Hopeful of his delivery, which$6#1$ now proves
135:1,1576[C  ]| Abortive as the first-born bloom of spring
135:1,1577[C  ]| Nipped with the lagging rear of winter's frost.
135:1,1578[C  ]| Yet before I give the reins to$4$ grief, say first,
135:1,1579[C  ]| How died he? death to$4$ life is crown or shame.
135:1,1580[C  ]| All  by$4$ him fell thou sayest, by$4$ whom fell he,
135:1,1581[C  ]| What glorious hand gave Samson his death's wound?
135:1,1582[F  ]| <\Mess%\> Unwounded of his enemies he fell.
135:1,1583[C  ]| <\Man%\> Wearied with slaughter then or how? explain.
135:1,1584[F  ]| <\Mess%\>  By$4$ his own hands.
135:1,1584[C  ]| <\Man%\> Self-violence? what cause
135:1,1585[C  ]| Brought him so$5#1$ soon at variance with himself
135:1,1586[C  ]| Among his foes?
135:1,1586[F  ]| <\Mess%\> Inevitable cause
135:1,1587[F  ]| At once both to$9$ destroy and be destroyed;
135:1,1588[F  ]| The edifice where all were met to$9$ see him
135:1,1589[F  ]| Upon$4$ their heads and on$4$ his own he pulled.
135:1,1590[C  ]| <\Man%\> O lastly over-strong against thyself!
135:1,1591[C  ]| A dreadful way thou tookest to$4$ thy revenge.
135:1,1592[C  ]| More than enough we know; but while things yet
135:1,1593[C  ]| Are in$4$ confusion, give us if thou canst,
135:1,1594[C  ]| Eye-witness of what first or last was done,
135:1,1595[C  ]| Relation more particular and distinct.
135:1,1596[F  ]| <\Mess%\> Occasions drew me early to$4$ this city,
135:1,1597[F  ]| And as the gates I entered with sun-rise,
135:1,1598[F  ]| The morning trumpets festival proclaimed
135:1,1599[F  ]| Through each high street: little had I dispatched
135:1,1600[F  ]| When all abroad was rumoured that$3$ this day
135:1,1601[F  ]| Samson should be brought forth to$9$ show the people
135:1,1602[F  ]| Proof of his mighty strength in$4$ feats and games;
135:1,1603[F  ]| I sorrowed at his captive state, but minded
135:1,1604[F  ]| Not to$9$ be absent at that$6#2$ spectacle.
135:1,1605[F  ]| The building was a spacious theatre,
135:1,1606[F  ]| Half round on$4$ two main pillars vaulted high,
135:1,1607[F  ]| With seats where all the lords and each degree
135:1,1608[F  ]| Of sort, might sit in$4$ order to$9$ behold,
135:1,1609[F  ]| The other side was open, where the throng
135:1,1610[F  ]| On$4$ banks and scaffolds under sky might stand;
135:1,1611[F  ]| I among these aloof obscurely stood.
135:1,1612[F  ]| The feast and noon grew high, and sacrifice
135:1,1613[F  ]| Had filled their hearts with mirth, high cheer, and wine,
135:1,1614[F  ]| When to$4$ their sports they turned. Immediately
135:1,1615[F  ]| Was Samson as a public servant brought,
135:1,1616[F  ]| In$4$ their state livery clad; before him pipes
135:1,1617[F  ]| And timbrels, on$4$ each side went armed guards,
135:1,1618[F  ]| Both horse and foot before him and behind
135:1,1619[F  ]| Archers, and slingers, cataphracts and spears.
135:1,1620[F  ]| At sight of him the people with a shout
135:1,1621[F  ]| Rifted the air clamouring their god with praise,
135:1,1622[F  ]| Who$6#1$ had made their dreadful enemy their thrall.
135:1,1623[F  ]| He patient but undaunted where they led him,
135:1,1624[F  ]| Came to$4$ the place, and what was set before him
135:1,1625[F  ]| Which$6#1$ without help of eye might be assayed,
135:1,1626[F  ]| To$9$ heave, pull, draw, or break, he still performed
135:1,1627[F  ]| All with incredible, stupendious force,
135:1,1628[F  ]| None daring to$9$ appear antagonist.
135:1,1629[F  ]| At length for$4$ intermission sake they led him
135:1,1630[F  ]| Between the pillars; he his guide requested
135:1,1631[F  ]| (For$3$ so$5#2$ from such as nearer stood we heard)
135:1,1632[F  ]| As over-tired to$9$ let him lean a while
135:1,1633[F  ]| With both his arms on$4$ those two massy pillars
135:1,1634[F  ]| That$6#1$ to$4$ the arched roof gave main support.
135:1,1635[F  ]| He unsuspicious led him; which$6#1$ when Samson
135:1,1636[F  ]| Felt in$4$ his arms, with head a while inclined,
135:1,1637[F  ]| And eyes fast fixed he stood, as one who$6#1$ prayed,
135:1,1638[F  ]| Or some great matter in$4$ his mind revolved.
135:1,1639[F  ]| At last with head erect thus cried aloud,
135:1,1640@a   | Hitherto, lords, what your commands imposed
135:1,1641@a   | I have performed, as reason was, obeying,
135:1,1642@a   | Not without wonder or delight beheld.
135:1,1643@a   | Now of my own accord such other trial
135:1,1644@a   | I mean to$9$ show you of my strength, yet greater;
135:1,1645@a   | As with amaze shall strike all who$6#1$ behold.
135:1,1646[F  ]| This uttered, straining all his nerves he bowed,
135:1,1647[F  ]| As with the force of winds and waters pent,
135:1,1648[F  ]| When mountains tremble, those two massy pillars
135:1,1649[F  ]| With horrible convulsion to$8$ and fro
135:1,1650[F  ]| He tugged, he shook, till down they came and drew
135:1,1651[F  ]| The whole roof after them, with burst of thunder
135:1,1652[F  ]| Upon$4$ the heads of all who$6#1$ sat beneath,
135:1,1653[F  ]| Lords, ladies, captains, counsellors, or priests,
135:1,1654[F  ]| Their choice nobility and flower, not only
135:1,1655[F  ]| Of this but each Philistian city round
135:1,1656[F  ]| Met from all parts to$9$ solemnize this feast.
135:1,1657[F  ]| Samson with these immixed, inevitably
135:1,1658[F  ]| Pulled down the same destruction on$4$ himself;
135:1,1659[F  ]| The vulgar only escaped who$6#1$ stood without.
135:1,1660[X  ]| <\Chor%\> O dearly-bought revenge, yet glorious!
135:1,1661[X  ]| Living or dying thou hast fulfilled
135:1,1662[X  ]| The work for$4$ which$6#1$ thou was foretold
135:1,1663[X  ]| To$4$ Israel, and now liest victorious
135:1,1664[X  ]| Among thy slain self-killed
135:1,1665[X  ]| Not willingly but tangled in$4$ the fold,
135:1,1666[X  ]| Of dire necessity, whose law in$4$ death conjoined
135:1,1667[X  ]| Thee with thy slaughtered foes in$4$ number more
135:1,1668[X  ]| Than all thy life had slain before.
135:1,1669[X  ]| <\Semichor%\> While their hearts were jocund and sublime,
135:1,1670[X  ]| Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine
135:1,1671[X  ]| And fat regorged of bulls and goats,
135:1,1672[X  ]| Chanting their idol, and preferring
135:1,1673[X  ]| Before our living dread who$6#1$ dwells
135:1,1674[X  ]| In$4$ Silo his bright sanctuary:
135:1,1675[X  ]| Among them he a spirit of frenzy sent,
135:1,1676[X  ]| Who$6#1$ hurt their minds,
135:1,1677[X  ]| And urged them on$5$ with mad desire
135:1,1678[X  ]| To$9$ call in$4$ haste for$4$ their destroyer;
135:1,1679[X  ]| They only set on$4$ sport and play
135:1,1680[X  ]| Unweetingly importuned
135:1,1681[X  ]| Their own destruction to$9$ come speedy upon$4$ them.
135:1,1682[X  ]| So$5#1$ fond are mortal men
135:1,1683[X  ]| Fallen into wrath divine,
135:1,1684[X  ]| As their own ruin on$4$ themselves to$9$ invite,
135:1,1685[X  ]| Insensate left, or to$9$ sense reprobate,
135:1,1686[X  ]| And with blindness internal struck.
135:1,1687[X  ]| <\Semichor%\> But he though blind of sight
135:1,1688[X  ]| Despised and thought extinguished quite,
135:1,1689[X  ]| With inward eyes illuminated
135:1,1690[X  ]| His fiery virtue roused
135:1,1691[X  ]| From under ashes into sudden flame,
135:1,1692[X  ]| And as an evening dragon came,
135:1,1693[X  ]| Assailant on$4$ the perched roosts,
135:1,1694[X  ]| And nests in$4$ order ranged
135:1,1695[X  ]| Of tame villatic fowl; but as an eagle
135:1,1696[X  ]| His cloudless thunder bolted on$4$ their heads.
135:1,1697[X  ]| So$3$ virtue given for$4$ lost,
135:1,1698[X  ]| Depressed, and overthrown, as seemed,
135:1,1699[X  ]| Like$4$ that$6#2$ self-begotten bird
135:1,1700[X  ]| In$4$ the Arabian woods embossed,
135:1,1701[X  ]| That$6#1$ no$2$ second knows nor third,
135:1,1702[X  ]| And lay erewhile a holocaust,
135:1,1703[X  ]| From out her ashy womb now teemed,
135:1,1704[X  ]| Revives, reflourishes, then vigorous most
135:1,1705[X  ]| When most unactive deemed,
135:1,1706[X  ]| And though her body die, her fame survives,
135:1,1707[X  ]| A secular bird ages of lives.
135:1,1708[C  ]| <\Man%\> Come, come, no$2$ time for$4$ lamentation now,
135:1,1709[C  ]| Nor much more cause, Samson hath quit himself
135:1,1710[C  ]| Like$4$ Samson, and heroicly hath finished
135:1,1711[C  ]| A life heroic, on$4$ his enemies
135:1,1712[C  ]| Fully revenged, hath left them years of mourning,
135:1,1713[C  ]| And lamentation to$4$ the sons of Caphtor
135:1,1714[C  ]| Through all Philistian bounds. To$4$ Israel
135:1,1715[C  ]| Honour hath left, and freedom, let but them
135:1,1716[C  ]| Find courage to$9$ lay hold on$4$ this occasion,
135:1,1717[C  ]| To$4$ himself and father's house eternal fame;
135:1,1718[C  ]| And which$6#1$ is best and happiest yet, all this
135:1,1719[C  ]| With god not parted from him, as was feared,
135:1,1720[C  ]| But favouring and assisting to$4$ the end.
135:1,1721[C  ]| Nothing is here for$4$ tears, nothing to$9$ wail
135:1,1722[C  ]| Or knock the breast, no$2$ weakness, no$2$ contempt ,
135:1,1723[C  ]| Dispraise, or blame, nothing but well and fair,
135:1,1724[C  ]| And what may quiet us in$4$ a death so$5#1$ noble.
135:1,1725[C  ]| Let us go find the body where it lies
135:1,1726[C  ]| Soaked in$4$ his enemies' blood, and from the stream
135:1,1727[C  ]| With lavers pure, and cleansing herbs wash off
135:1,1728[C  ]| The clotted gore. I with what speed the while
135:1,1729[C  ]| (Gaza is not in$4$ plight to$9$ say us nay)
135:1,1730[C  ]| Will$1$ send for$4$ all my kindred, all my friends
135:1,1731[C  ]| To$9$ fetch him hence and solemnly attend
135:1,1732[C  ]| With silent obsequy and funeral train
135:1,1733[C  ]| Home to$4$ his father's house: there I will$1$ build him
135:1,1734[C  ]| A monument, and plant it round with shade
135:1,1735[C  ]| Of laurel ever green, and branching palm,
135:1,1736[C  ]| With all his trophies hung, and acts enrolled
135:1,1737[C  ]| In$4$ copious legend, or sweet lyric song,
135:1,1738[C  ]| Thither shall all the valiant youth resort,
135:1,1739[C  ]| And from his memory inflame their breasts
135:1,1740[C  ]| To$4$ matchless valour, and adventures high:
135:1,1741[C  ]| The virgins also shall on$4$ feastful days
135:1,1742[C  ]| Visit his tomb with flowers, only bewailing
135:1,1743[C  ]| His lot unfortunate in$4$ nuptial choice,
135:1,1744[C  ]| From whence captivity and loss of eyes.
135:1,1745[X  ]| <\Chor%\> All is best, though we oft doubt,
135:1,1746[X  ]| What the unsearchable dispose
135:1,1747[X  ]| Of highest wisdom brings about,
135:1,1748[X  ]| And ever best found in$4$ the close.
135:1,1749[X  ]| Oft he seems to$9$ hide his face,
135:1,1750[X  ]| But unexpectedly returns
135:1,1751[X  ]| And to$4$ his faithful champion hath in$4$ place
135:1,1752[X  ]| Bore witness gloriously; whence Gaza mourns
135:1,1753[X  ]| And all that$6#1$ band them to$9$ resist
135:1,1754[X  ]| His uncontrollable intent,
135:1,1755[X  ]| His servants he with new acquist
135:1,1756[X  ]| Of true experience from this great event
135:1,1757[X  ]| With peace and consolation dismissed,
135:1,1758[X  ]| And calm of mind all passion spent.