And, in my midst of sorrow and heart-grief, To show them feats, and play before their god— The worst of all indignities, yet on me I will not come. 1341 Off. My message was imposed on me with speed, Brooks no delay is this thy resolution? Sams. So take it with what speed thy message needs. Off. I am sorry what this stoutness will produce. indeed. Chor. Consider, Samson; matters now are strained Up to the highth, whether to hold or break. He's gone, and who knows how he may report 1350 Of strength, again returning with my hair. A Nazarite, in place abominable, Vaunting my strength in honour to their Dagon? 1360 Besides how vile, contemptible, ridiculous, What act more execrably unclean, profane? Chor. Yet with this strength thou serv'st the Idolatrous, uncircumcised, unclean. Sams. Not in their idol-worship, but by labour Honest and lawful to deserve my food Of those who have me in their civil power. Chor. Where the heart joins not, outward acts defile not. Sams. Where outward force constrains, the sentence holds : But who constrains me to the temple of Dagon, 1370 For some important cause, thou need'st not doubt. How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach. Chor. Sams. Be of good courage; I begin to feel 1381 Chor. In time thou hast resolved: the man returns. 1390 Off. Samson, this second message from our lords And hamper thee, as thou shalt come of force, Sams. I could be well content to try their art, Which to no few of them would prove pernicious; 1400 Yet, knowing their advantages too many, Because they shall not trail me through their streets Like a wild beast, I am content to go. Masters' commands come with a power resistless Off. I praise thy resolution. Doff these links: 1410 By this compliance thou wilt win the lords To favour, and perhaps to set thee free. Sams. Brethren, farewell. Your company along I will not wish, lest it perhaps offend them So dreaded once, may now exasperate them Chor. Go, and the Holy One Of Israel be thy guide 1420 To what may serve his glory best, and spread his name Great among the Heathen round; Send thee the Angel of thy birth, to stand Fast by thy side, who from thy father's field Of thy conception, and be now a shield Of fire; that Spirit that first rushed on thee Be efficacious in thee now at need! For never was from Heaven imparted 1430 As in thy wondrous actions hath been seen. But wherefore comes old Manoa in such haste 1440 With youthful steps? Much livelier than erewhile He seems supposing here to find his son, Or of him bringing to us some glad news? Man. Peace with you, brethren! My inducement hither Was not at present here to find my son, By order of the lords new parted hence 1450 To come and play before them at their feast. With good success to work his liberty. Chor. With thee. That hope would much rejoice us to partake Say, reverend sire; we thirst to hear. Man. I have attempted, one by one, the lords, Either at home, or through the high street passing, With supplication prone and father's tears, To accept of ransom for my son, their prisoner. 1460 1470 Or at some proof of strength before them shown. And numbered down. Much rather I shall choose To live the poorest in my tribe, than richest And he in that calamitous prison left. 1480 No, I am fixed not to part hence without him. If need be, I am ready to forgo And quit. Not wanting him, I shall want nothing. Sons wont to nurse their parents in old age; 1491 1500 Useless, and thence ridiculous, about him. God will restore him eye-sight to his strength. Chor. Thy hopes are not ill founded, nor seem vain, Of his delivery, and thy joy thereon Conceived, agreeable to a father's love; In both which we, as next, participate. Man. I know your friendly minds, and what noise! 0, |