Classic Audiobook Collection - Samson Agonistes by John Milton ~ Full Audiobook [tragedy]

Episode Date: February 17, 2026

Samson Agonistes by John Milton audiobook. Genre: tragedy John Milton's Samson Agonistes reimagines the final days of the biblical strongman as an intense, inward tragedy of defeat, endurance, and faith. Once Israel's champion, Samson now sits blind and captive in Gaza, mocked by the Philistines and tormented by the memory of his own choices. As he wrestles with shame and the silence of God, visitors arrive who force him to confront the life that brought him to this ruin: his father Manoa, who pleads to ransom him; the Chorus of Danites, who mirror the community's grief and doubt; and Dalila, whose arrival opens old wounds and hard questions about love, betrayal, and responsibility. Meanwhile, Philistine leaders celebrate their power and prepare a public spectacle meant to humiliate their fallen enemy. Confined, powerless, and unsure of his calling, Samson faces the central conflict of the poem: whether a broken man can still possess moral agency, and what redemption might look like when strength, certainty, and sight are gone. With austere language and mounting tension, Milton explores suffering, conscience, national identity, and the paradox of strength born from weakness. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 00 (00:10:40) Chapter 01 (00:26:03) Chapter 02 (00:37:35) Chapter 03 (00:52:12) Chapter 04 (01:10:50) Chapter 05 (01:18:30) Chapter 06 (01:33:40) Chapter 07 (01:46:04) Chapter 08 (01:57:06) Chapter 09 (02:11:01) Chapter 10 (02:24:25) Chapter 11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samson Agonistis by John Milton, the preface. Of that sort of dramatic poem which is called tragedy. Tragedy, as it was anciently composed, has been ever held the gravest, moralist, and most profitable of all other poems. therefore said by Aristotle to be of power, by raising pity and fear, or terror, to purge the mind of those and such-like passions, that is, to temper and reduce them to just measure, with a kind of delight stirred up by reading or seeing those passions well imitated. Nor is nature wanting in her own effects to make good his assertion. For so in physic, things of melancholic hue and quality are used against melancholy,

sour against sour, salt to remove salt humours. Hence philosophers and other gravest writers as Cicero, Plutarch and others, frequently cite out of tragic poets, both to adorn and illustrate their discourse. The Apostle Paul himself thought it not unworthy to insert a verse of Euripides into the text of Holy Scripture. One Corinthians, chapter 15, verse 33, and Pareus, commenting on the revelation on the revelation, divides the whole book as a tragedy into acts distinguished each by a chorus of heavenly harpings and song between. Herefore, men in highest dignity have laboured not a little to be thought able to compose a tragedy. Of that honour, Dionysius the elder was no less ambitious,

than before of his attaining to the tyranny. Augustus Caesar also had begun his Ajax, but unable to please his own judgment with what he had begun, left it unfinished. Seneca, the philosopher, is by some thought the author of those tragedies, at least the best of them, that go under that name. gregory nazianson a father of the church thought it not unbeceaming the sanctity of his person to write a tragedy which he entitled christ's suffering this is mentioned to vindicate tragedy from the small esteem or rather infamy which in the account of many it undergoes at this day with other common

interludes, happening through the poet's error of intermixing comic stuff with tragic sadness and gravity, or introducing trivial and vulgar persons, which by all judicious hath been counted absurd, and brought in without discretion corruptly to gratify the people. And though ancient tragedy use no prologue, yet using sometimes in case of self-defence or explanation that which Marshall calls an epistle, in behalf of this tragedy coming forth after the ancient manner, much different from what among us passes for best, thus much beforehand may be epistle. That chorus is here introduced after the Greek manner, not ancient only, but modern and still in use among the Italians. In the modelling, therefore, of this poem, with good reason the ancients and Italians are rather followed, as of much more authority and fame. The measure of verse used in the chorus is of all sorts, called by the Greeks monostrophic,

or rather Apolleluminon, without regard had to strofe, antistrofe, or epitore, which were a kind of stanzas framed only for the music, then used with the chorus that sung. not essential to the poem and therefore not material, or being divided into stanzas or pauses, they may be called a laostrofa. Division into act and scene, referring chiefly to the stage, to which this work never was intended, is here omitted. It suffices if the whole drama, be found not produced beyond the fifth act of the style and uniformity and that commonly called the plot whether intricate or explicit which is nothing indeed but such economy or disposition of the fable as may stand best with verisimilitude and decorum they only will best judge who are not unacquainted with eschilus sophocles and eurypides the three tragic poets unequalled yet by any and the best rule to all who endeavour to write tragedy the circumscription of time wherein the whole drama begins and ends is according to ancient rule and

best example, within the space of 24 hours. The argument. Samson made captive, blind, and now in the prison at Gaza, there to labour as in a common workhouse. On a festival day, in the general cessation from labour, comes forth into the open air, to a place nigh, somewhat retired, there to sit a while and bemoan his condition. Where he happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals of his tribe, which make the chorus, who seek to comfort him what they can,

then by his old father Manoa, who endeavours the like, and withal tells him his purpose to procure his liberty by ransom. Lastly, that this feast was proclaimed by the Philistines as a day of thanksgiving for their deliverance from the hands of Samson, which yet more troubles him. Manoa then departs to prosecute his endeavour with the Philistian Lords for Samson's redemption, who in the meanwhile is visited by other persons, and lastly by a public officer to require coming to the feast before the lords and people to play or show his strength in their presence. He at first refuses, dismissing the public officer with absolute denial to come. At length, persuaded inwardly that this was from God, he yields to go along with him, who came now the second time with great threatenings to fetch him. The chorus yet remaining on the place, Manoa returns full.

of joyful hope to procure ere long his son's deliverance. In the midst of which discourse, an Ibru comes in haste confusedly at first, and afterward more distinctly relating the catastrophe, what Sampson had done to the Philistines and by accident to himself. Wherewith the tragedy ends The persons Samson Manoa the father of Samson

Dalila his wife Harafa of Gath Public officer Messenger Chorus of Danites end of the preface Samson Agonistes by John Milton Section 1

The scene Before the prison in Gaza Samson The chorus A little onward lend thy guiding hand to these dark steps A little further on, For yonder bank hath choice of sun or shade, There I am wont to sit,

When any chance relieves me from my task of servile toil, Daily in the common prison else enjoined me, Where I a prisoner chained, scarce freely draw the air imprisoned also, close and damp, unwholesome draught. But here I feel amends. The breath of heaven, fresh blowing, pure and sweet with day-spring-born, Here leave me to respire. This day a solemn feast the people hold to Dagon their sea-iddle, and forbid laborious works.

Unwillingly this rest their superstition yields me. Hence with leave retiring from the popular noise, I seek this unfrequented place to find some ease, ease to the body, some, none to the mind from restless thoughts that like a deadly swarm of hornets armed, no sooner found alone, but rush upon me thronging, and present times past what once I was and what am now. Oh, wherefore was my birth from heaven foretold twice by an angel, who at last in sight of both my parents, all in flames ascended from off the altar, where an offering burned, as in a fiery column charioting his godlike presence, and from some great act or benefit revealed to a fiery column, charioting his godlike presence, and from some great act or benefit revealed to

Abraham's race. Why was my breeding ordered and prescribed as of a person separate to God, designed for great exploits? If I must die, betrayed, captived, and both my eyes put out, made of my enemies the scorn and gaze, to grind in brazen fetters, and the tauters, and a task with this heaven-gifted strength. O glorious strength, put to the labour of a beast, debased lower than bond-slave! Promise was that I should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver. Ask for this great deliverer now, and find him eyeless in guard. at the mill with slaves, himself in bonds under Philistian yoke.

Yet stay, let me not rashly call in doubt divine prediction. What if all foretold had been fulfilled, but through my own default, whom have I to complain of but myself? Who this high gift of strength committed to me? In what part lodged? How easily bereft me! Under the seal of silence could not keep, but weakly to a woman must reveal it, or come with importunity and tears.

Oh, impotence of mind in body strong! But what is strength without a double share of wisdom? Vast, unwieldy, burdensome, proudly secure, yet liable to fall by weakest subtleties, not made to rule, but to subserve where wisdom bears command. God, when he gave me strength to show with all how slight the gift was, hung it in my hair. But peace, I must not quarrel with the will of highest dispensation, Which herein happily had ends above my reach to know,

Suffices that to me strength is my bane, And proves the source of all my miseries, So many and so huge, each apart would ask a life to wail, but chief of all. O loss of sight! Of thee I most complain. Blind among enemies! Oh, worse than chains, dungeon, or beggary, or decrepit age! Light, the prime work of God, to me is exce. extinct, and all her various objects of delight annulled, which might in part my grief have eased.

Inferior to the vilest now become of man or worm. The vilest here excel me, they creep, yet see, I dark in light, exposed to daily fraud, contempt, abuse and wrong, within doors or without, still as a fool, in power of others, never in my own. Scarce half I seem to live, dead more than half. Oh, dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon, irrecoverably dark, total eclipse without all hope of day o first created beam and thou great word let there be light and light was over all why am i thus bereaved thy prime decree the sun to me is dark and silent as the moon

when she deserts the night, hid in her vacant inter-luna cave. Since light so necessary is to life, and almost life itself, if it be true that light is in the soul, she all in every part, why was the sight to such a tender ball as the eye can find, so obvious and so easy to be quenched, and not as feeling through all parts diffused, that she might look at will through every pore. Then had I not been thus exiled from light, as in the land of darkness, yet in light, to live a life half dead, a living death, and burrified. But, O yet more miserable, myself, my sepulchre, a moving grave, buried, yet not exempt by privilege of death and burial from worst of other evils, pains and wrongs, but made hereby obnoxious more to all the miseries of life, life in captivity. among inhuman foes. But who are these? For with joint pace I hear the tread of many feet steering this way.

Perhaps my enemies who come to stare at my affliction, and perhaps to insult their daily practice to afflict me more. This, this is he. Softly a while, let us not break in upon him. Oh, change beyond report, thought or belief. See how he lies at random, carelessly diffused, with languished head unpropped, as one past hope, abandoned, and by himself given over. in slavish habit ill-fitted weeds all worn and soiled or do my eyes misrepresent can this be he that heroic that renowned irresistible samson whom unarmed no strength of man or fiercest wild beast could withstand who tore the lion who tore the lion

as the lion tears the kid, ran on embattled armies clad in iron, and weaponless himself made arms ridiculous. Useless the forgery of brazen shield and spear, the hammered cuirass, Calibian tempered steel, and frock of mail Adamantean proof. But safest he who stood aloof, when insupportably his foot advanced, In scorn of their proud arms and warlike tools, spurned them to death by troops. The bold Ascalonite fled from his lion ramp. Old warriors turned their plated backs under his heel, or grovelling. soiled their crested helmets in the dust. Then with what trivial weapon came to hand, the jaw of a dead ass, his sword of bone,

a thousand foreskins fell, the flower of Palestine in Ramazlechi, famous to this day. Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore the gates of Azah, post, and Massey bar, up to the hill by Hebron, Seat of giants old, no journey of a Sabbath day, and loaded so, like whom the Gentiles feigned to bear up heaven. Which shall I first bewail, thy bondage or lost sight, prison within prison inseparably dark.

Thou art become, oh, vast imprisonment, the dungeon of thyself. Thy soul, which men enjoying sight oft without cause complain, imprisoned now indeed, in real darkness of the body dwells. shut up from outward light to incorporate with gloomy night. For inward light, alas puts forth no visual beam. O mirror of our fickle state, since man on earth unparalleled, The rarer thy example stands, by how much from the top of wondrous, glory, strongest of mortal men, to lowest pitch of abject fortune thou art fallen.

For him I reckon not in high estate, whom long descent of birth or the sphere of fortune raises, but thee whose strength, while virtue was her mate, might have subdued the earth, universally crowned with highest praises. I hear the sound of words. Their sense the air dissolves unjointed ere it reach my ear. He speaks, let us draw nigh. Much less in might, the glory late of Israel, now the grief. We come thy friends and neighbour.

not unknown from eshtal and zora's fruitful vale to visit or bewail thee or if better counsel or consolation we may bring salve to thy sores apt words have power to swage the tumours of a troubled mind and are as balm to festered wounds End of Section 1. Samson Agonistes by John Milton. Section 2. Samson. The chorus. Your coming, friends, revives me.

For I learn now of my own experience, not by talk, how counterfeit a coin they are, who friends bear in their superscription of the most i would be understood in prosperous days they swarm but in adverse withdraw their head not to be found those sought we see o friends how many evils have enclosed me round yet that which was the worst now least afflicts me blindness for had i sight confused with shame how could i once look up or heave the head who like a foolish pilot have shipwrecked my vessel trusted to me for from above gloriously rigged. And for a word, a tear, fool, have divulged the secret gift of God to a deceitful woman. Tell me, friends, am I not sung and proverbed for a fool in every street? Do they not say how well are come upon him his deserts? Yet why? immeasurable strength they might behold in me of wisdom nothing more than mean this with the other should at least have paired these two proportioned ill drove me transverse

tax not divine disposal wisest men have erred and by bad women being distverse perceived, and shall again pretend they ne'er so wise. Deject not then so overmuch thyself, who hast of sorrow thy full load besides. Yet truth to say, I have oft heard men wonder why thou shouldst wed Philistian women, rather than of thine own tribe fairer, or as fair, at least of thy own nation, and as noble. The first I saw at Timna, and she pleased me, not my parents that I sought to wed the daughter of an infidel. They knew not that what I motioned was of God.

I knew from intimate impulse, and therefore urged the marriage on, that by occasion hence I might begin Israel's deliverance, the work to which I was divinely called. She proving false, the next I took to wife, oh, that I never had, fond wish too late, was in the vale of Sorek, Dalila, that specious monster, my accomplished snare. I thought it lawful from my former act, and the same end, still watching to oppress Israel's oppressors. Of what now I suffer, she was not the prime cause, but I myself, who vanquished with a peal of words, oh, weakness, gave up my thought of silence to a woman. In seeking just occasion to provoke the Philistine, thy country's enemy, thou never wast remiss, I hear thee witness, yet Israel still serves with all his sons.

That fault I take not on me, but transfer on Israel's governors and heads of tribes, who seeing those great, great acts which God had done singly by me against their conquerors acknowledged not, or not at all considered deliverance offered. I on the other side used no ambition to commend my deeds. The deeds themselves, though mute, spoke loud the doer. But they persisted death, and would not seem to count them things worth notice, till at length their lords the Philistines, with gathered powers, entered Judea, seeking me, who then safe to the rock of Etham was retired,

not flying, but forecasting in what place to set upon them, what advantaged best. Meanwhile, the men of Judah, to prevent the harass of their land, beset me round, I willingly, on some conditions, came into their hands, and they as gladly yield me to the uncircumcised a welcome prey, bound with two cords. But chords to me were threads touched with the flame. On their whole host I flew unarmed, And with a trivial weapon felled their choicest youth. They only lived who fled.

Had Judah that day joined, or won the whole tribe, They had by this possessed the towers of Gath, and lorded over them whom now they serve. But what more often nations grown corrupt, and by their vices brought to servitude, than to love bondage more than liberty, bondage with ease and strenuous liberty, and to despise or envy or suspect

whom God hath of his special favour, raised as their deliverer. If he ought begin, How frequent to desert him, And at last to heap ingratitude On worthiest deeds! Thy words to my remembrance bring How succoth and the thought of Penuel,

Their great deliverer contemned, The matchless Gideon, In pursuit of Madian and her, vanquished kings. And how ingratful Iphraim, not worse than by his shield and spear, had dealt with Jephtha, who by argument defended Israel from the Ammonite, had not his prowess quelled their pride in that sore battle, when so many died without reprieve, adjudged to death, for want of well-pronouncing Shibboleth. Oh, such examples add me to the role.

Me easily indeed mine may neglect, but God's proposed deliverance not so. Just are the ways of God and justifiable to men, unless there be who think not God at all. if any be they walk obscure, for of such doctrine never was their school but the heart of the fool, and no man therein doctor but himself. Yet more there be who doubt his ways not just as to his own edicts, found contradicting, than give the reins to wandering thought, regardless of his

glory's diminution, till by their own perplexities involved they ravel more, still less resolved, but never find self-satisfying solution, as if they would confine the interminable, and tie him to his own prescript, who made our laws to bind us, not himself, and hath full right to exempt whom so it pleases him by choice from national obstruction, without taint of sin or legal debt. For with his own laws he can best dispense. He would not else, who never wanted means, nor in of the enemy just cause to set his people free, have prompted this heroic Nazarite, against his vow of strictest purity, to seek in marriage that fallacious bride, unclean, unchaste. Down reason, then, at least vain reasonings down.

though reason here of ver that moral verdid quits her of unclean. Unchaste was subsequent, her stain not his. But see, here comes thy reverend sire, with careful steps, locks whiter's down, old Manoa. Advice forthwith how thou oughtest to receive him. Aye, me, another inward grief awaked, with mention of that name renews the assault. End of Section 2. Samson Agonistes by John Milton. Section 3

Manoa Chorus Sampson Brethren and men of Dan For such she seem, though in this uncouth place, If old respect, as I suppose, Towards your once-gloried friend, My son now captive, Hither hath informed your younger feet, while mine cast back with age came lagging after, say if he be here.

As signal now in low dejected state, as arst in highest, behold him where he lies. O miserable change! Is this the man, that invincible Samson, far renowned, the dread of Israel, foes, who with a strength equivalent to angels walked their streets, none offering fight, who single-combatant dueled their armies, ranked in proud array, himself an army, now unequal match to save himself against a coward, armed at one's spear's length. O ever-failing trust in mortal strength, And, oh, what not in man deceivable and vain! Nay what thing God prayed for,

But often proves our woe, our bane. I prayed for children, And thought barrenness in wedlock a reproach, I gained a son, and such a son as all men hailed me happy, Who would be now a father in my stead? O wherefore did God grant me my request, And as a blessing with such pomp adorned, Why are his gifts desirable to tempt our earnest prayers,

then, given with solemn hand as graces, draw a scorpion's tail behind. For this did the angel twice descend. For this ordained thy nurture holy as of a plant, Select and sacred, glorious for a while, The miracle of men. Then in an hour, ensnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound, thy foe's derision, captive, poor, and blind, Into a dungeon thrust to work with slaves.

Alas, me thinks, whom God hath chosen once to worthier deeds, if he through frailty err he should not so o'erwhelm and as a thrall subject him to so foul indignities be it but for honour's sake of former deeds appoint not heavenly disposition father nothing of all these evils hath befallen me but justly i myself have brought them on sole author ay sole course if aught seem vile as vile hath been my folly who hath profaned the mystery of god given me under pledge of vow, and have betrayed it to a woman, a Canaanite, my faithless enemy. This well I knew, nor was at all surprised, but warned by oft experience, did not she of Timna first betray me, and reveal the secret rested from me, in her height of nuptial love professed, carrying it straight to them who had corrupted her, my spies and rivals.

In this other was there found more faith, who also in her prime of love, spousal embraces, viciated with gold, though offered only, by the scent conceived her spurious first-boy. threason against me. Thrice she essayed with flattering prayers and sighs, and amorous reproaches, to win from me my capital secret, in what part my strength lay stored, in what part summed, that she might know. Thrice I deluded her, and turned to sport her importunity, each time perceiving how openly, and with what impudence she purposed to betray me, and which was worse than undissembled hate, with what contempt she sought to make me traitor to myself.

Yet the fourth time, when mustering all her wiles, with blandished parlies, Feminine assaults, tongue batteries, she Serciseed not day nor night, To storm me, Overwatched, and wearied out. At times when men seek most repose and rest, I yield and unlocked her all my heart, who with a grain of manhood well resolved, might easily have shook off all her snares. But foul effeminacy held me yoked her bond-slave. Oh, indignity, O blot to honour and religion! Servile mind rewarded well with servile punishment.

The base degree to which I now am fallen, these rags, this grinding, is not yet so base as was my former servitude. Ignoble, unmanly, ignominious, infamous, true slavery. and that blindness worse than this, that saw not how degenerately I served. I cannot praise thy marriage choices, son, rather approved them not, but thou didst plead divine impulsion,

prompting how thou mightst find some occasion to infest our foes. I state not that. This, I am sure, our foes found soon occasion thereby to make thee their captive and their triumph. Thou the sooner temptation founced,

or over potent charms, to violate the sacred trust of silence deposited within thee, which to have kept tacit was in thy power true and thou hearest enough and more the burden of that fault bitterly hast thou paid and still art paying that rigid score a worse thing yet remains this day the philistines a popular feast here celebrate in Gaza, and proclaim great pomp and sacrifice, and praises loud to Dagon, as their God, who hath delivered thee, Samson, bound and blind into their hands. Them out of thine, who slewest them many are slain.

So Dagon shall be magnified, and God. God, besides whom is no God, compared with idols, dis glorified, blasphemed, and had in scorn by the idolatrous rout amidst their wine, which to have come to pass by means of thee, Samson, of all thy sufferings think the heaviest, of all reproach the most with shame that ever could have befallen thee and thy father's house. Father, I do acknowledge and confess that I this honour, I this pomp, have brought to Dagon, and advanced his praises high among the heathen round. To God have, have, have brought dishonour, obloquy, and oped the mouths of idolists and atheists, have brought scandal to Israel,

diffidence of God, and doubt in feeble hearts, propense enough before to waver or fall off and join with idols. which is my chief affliction, shame and sorrow, the anguish of my soul that suffers not mine eye to harbour sleep or thoughts to rest. This only hope relieves me that the strife with me hath end. All the contest is now twixt God and Dagon. Dargon hath presumed me overthrown to enter lists with God, his deity comparing and preferring before the God of Abraham. He, he sure, will not connive or linger thus provoked, but will arise and his great name assert. Dargon must stoop, and shall ere long receive such a discomfort as shall quite despoil him of all these boasted trophies won on me, and with confusion blank his worshippers. With cause this hope relieves thee, and these words I as a prophecy receive, for God,

Nothing more certain will not long defer to vindicate the glory of his name against all competition, Nor will long endure it doubtful whether God be Lord or Dargon. But for thee what shall be done. Thou must not in the meanwhile here forgot lie in this miserable, loathsome plight neglected. I already have made way to some Philistian lords, with whom to treat about thy ransom. Well, they may by this have satisfied their utmost of revenge, by pains and slaveries, worse than death, inflicted on thee, who now no more canst do them harm. Spare that proposal, father, spare the trouble of that solicitation.

Let me hear, as I deserve, pay on my punishment, and expiate, if possible, my crime. Shameful garrulity! To have revealed secrets of men, the secrets of a friend, how heinous had the fact been, How deserving contempt and scorn of all, to be excluded all friendship, and avoided as a blab, the mark of fool set on his front. But I, God's counsel have not kept. His holy secret, presumptuously, have published impiously, weakly at least, and shamefully. A sin that Gentiles in their parables condemn to their abyss and horrid pains confined. End of Section 3.

Samson Agonistes by John Milton. Section 4 Manoa, Samson Chorus Be penitent and for thy fore. contrite, but act not in thy own affliction, son. Repent the sin, but if the punishment thou canst avoid, self-preservation bids, or the execution leave to high disposal, and let another hand, not thine, exact thy penal forfeit from thyself. Perhaps God will relent

and quit thee all his debt, Whoever more approves and more accepts, Best pleased with humble and filial submission, Him who imploring mercy soes for life, Than whose self-rigorous chooses death as due, Which argues over-just, And self-displeased for self-offence, more than for God offended.

Reject not, then, what offered means, Who knows but God hath set before us, To return thee home to thy country, And his sacred house, Where thou mayst bring thy offerings, To avert his further ire, With prayers and vows renewed. His pardon, I implore,

But as for life, to what end should I seek it? When in strength all mortals I excelled, And great in hopes, with youthful courage and magnanimous thoughts Of birth from heaven foretold, And high exploits, Full of divine instinct, After some proof of acts indeed heroic, far beyond the sons of Anak, famous now and blazed, fearless of danger, like a petty god I walked about, admired of all, and dreaded on hostile ground, none daring my affront.

Then, swollen with pride, into the snare I fell of fair, fallacious looks, venereal. trains, softened with pleasure and voluptuous life, at length to lay my head and hallowed pledge of all my strength, in the lascivious lap of a deceitful concubine, who sure me like a tame weather, all my precious fleece, then turned me out ridiculous, despoiled, shaven, and disarmed among my enemies. Desire of wine and all delicious drinks, which many a famous warrior overturns, thou couldst repress, nor did the dancing ruby sparkling. Outpowered the flavour or the smell or taste that cheers the hearts of gods and men, allure thee from the cool crystalline stream. Wherever fountain or fresh current flowed against the eastern ray, translucent, pure, with touch ethereal of heaven's fiery rod I drank, from the claspian.

from the clear milky juice allaying thirst and refreshed, nor envied them the grape whose heads that turbulent liquor fills with fumes. Oh, madness to think use of strongest wines and strongest drinks, our chief support of health, when God, with these forbidden, made choice to rear his mighty champion strong above compare whose drink was only from the liquid brook but what availed this temperance not complete against another object more enticing what boots it at one gate to make defence and at another to let in the foe effeminately vanquished, by which means, now blind, disheartened, shamed, dishonoured, quelled, to what can I be useful, wherein serve my nation, and the work from heaven imposed, but to sit idle on the household

hearth, a burdenous drone, to visitants a gaze or pitied object, these redundant locks robustious to no purpose clustering down vain monument of strength till length of years and sedentary numbness craze my limbs to a contemptible old age obscure here rather let me drudge and earn my bread till vermin or the draught of servile food consume me and oft invocated death hasten the welcome end of all my pains wilt thou then serve the philistines with that gift which was expressly given thee to annoy them better at home lie bed-rid not only idle inglorious unemployed with age outworn but god who caused a fountain at thy prayer from the dry ground to spring thy thirst to allay after the brunt of battle can azizzi cause light again within thy eyes to spring wherewith to serve him better than thou hast and i persuade me so why else this strength miraculous yet remaining in those locks. His might continues in thee, not for naught, nor shall his wondrous gifts be frustrate thus. All otherwise to me, my thoughts portend, that these dark orbs no more shall

treat with light, nor the other light of life continue long, but yield to double dark, darkness nigh at hand. So much I feel my genial spirits droop, my hopes all flat. Nature within me seems in all her functions weary of herself. My race of glory run, and race of shame, and I shall shortly be with them that rest. believe not these suggestions which proceed from anguish of the mind and humours black that mingle with thy fancy i however must not omit a father's timely care to prosecute the means of thy deliverance by ransom or how else meanwhile be calm and healing words from these thy friends admit, Oh, that torment should not be confined to the body's wounds and sores, with maladies innumerable in heart, head, breast, and reins,

but must secret passage find to the inmost mind. There exercise all his fierce accidents, her purest spirits pray, as on entrails, joints and limbs, with answerable pains, but more intense, though void of corporal sense. My griefs not only pain me as a lingering disease, but finding no redress, ferment and rage, nor less than, than wounds, immedicable, rankle, and fester and gangrene, to black mortification. Thoughts, my tormentous, armed with deadly stings, mangle my apprehensive, tenderest parts, exasperate, exulcerate, and raise dire inflammation, which no cooling herb or medicinal liquor can assuage,

nor breath of vernal air from snowy alp. Sleep hath forsook and given me awe to death's benumbing opium as my only cure. thence faintings swoonings of despair and sense of heaven's desertion i was his nursling once and choice delight his destined from the womb promised by heavenly message twice descending under his special eye abstemious i grew up and thrived a main He led me on to mightiest deeds, Above the nerve of mortal arm Against the uncircumcised, our enemies. But now hath cast me off as never known,

And to those cruel enemies, Whom I, by his appointment, had provoked, Left me all helpless With the irreparable loss of, sight, reserved alive to be repeated the subject of their cruelty or scorn. Nor am I in the list of them that hope. Hopeless are all my evils, all remedyless. This one prayer yet remains, might I be heard, no long petition.

speedy death the close of all my miseries and the balm many are the sayings of the wise in ancient and in modern books enrolled extolling patience as the truest fortitude and to the bearing well of all calamities all chances incident to man's frail life consolatory's writ with studied argument, and much persuasion sought lenient of grief and anxious thought. But with the afflicted in his pangs, their sound little prevails, or rather seems a tune, harsh and of dissonant mood from his complaint, unless he feel within some source-sour-soucels, of consolation from above. Secret refreshings that repair his strength and fainting spirits uphold. God of our fathers, what is man, that thou towards him with hand so various, or might I say contrarious, temperest thy providence through his short course, not evenly, as thou rulest the angelic orders, and inferior creatures mute, irrational and brute. Nor do I name of men the common

route, that wandering loose about, grow up and perish as the summer fly, heads without, no more remembered, but such as thou hast solemnly elected, with gifts and graces eminently adorned to some great work, thy glory, and people's safety, which in part they effect. Yet toward these thus dignified, thou oft amidst their height of noon, Changes'st thy countess thy countess thy countess, and thy hand with no regard of highest favours passed from thee on them, or them to thee of service, nor only dost degrade them, or remit to life obscured, which were a fair dismission, but throest them lower than thou didst exhort them high, unseemly falls in human eye too grievous for the trespass or omission oft leaves them to the hostile sword of heathen and profane their carcasses to dogs and fowls a prey

or else captiv'd or to the unjust tribunals and a change of times and condemnation of the ingratful If these they scape, perhaps in poverty with sickness and disease thou bowsed them down, painful diseases, and deformed in crude old age. Though not disordinate, yet causeless suffering the punishment of dissolute days in fine, just or unjust, alike. seem miserable, for oft alike both come to evil end. So deal not with this once thy glorious champion, the image of thy strength and mighty minister. What do I beg? How hast thou dealt already? Behold him in this state calamitous, and Turn his labours, for thou canst, to peaceful end. But who is this, what thing of sea or land?

Female of sex, it seems, that so bedecked, ornate and gay, comes this way sailing like a stately ship of Tarsus, bound for the Isles of Javan or Gadir, with all her bravery on. and tackle trim, sails filled, and streamers waving, caught it by all the winds that hold them play. An amber scent of odorous perfume, her harbinger. A damsel train behind. Some rich Philistian matron she may seem, and now at nearer view.

no other certain than dalila thy wife my wife my traitress let her not come near me yet on she moves now stands and eyes thee fixed about to have spoke but now with head declined like a fair flower surcharged with due, she weeps, and words addressed seem into tears dissolved, wetting the borders of her silken veil. But now again she makes address to speak. End of Section 4. Samson Agonistes by John Milton. Section 5. Dalila, Samson.

With doubtful feat and wavering resolution I came, Still dreading thy displeasure, Samson, Which to have merited, Without excuse, I cannot but acknowledge. Yet, if tears may expiate, Though the fact more evil drew in the pervite, event than I foresaw, my penance hath not slackened, though my pardon no way assured. But conjugal affection, prevailing over fear and timorous doubt, hath led me on desirous to behold once more thy face, and know of thy estate.

If aught in my ability May serve to lighten what thou suffer'st And appease thy mind With what immense is in my power Though late Yet in some part to recompense My rash, but more unfortunate Misfedee'd

Out, out hyena These are thy wonted arts and arts of every woman false like thee. To break all faith, all vows, Deceive, betray, Then, as repentant to submit, Beseech, and reconcilment move with feigned remorse, Confess and promise wonders in her change,

Not truly penitent, but chief to try her husband how far urged his patience bears his virtue or weakness which way to assail then with more cautious and instructed skill again transgresses and again submits that wisest and best men full oft beguiled with goodness principled not to reject the penitent, but ever to forgive, are drawn to wear out miserable days, entangled with a poisonous bosom-snake, if not by quick destruction cut off as I by thee, to ages an example. Yet hear me, Sampson, not that I endeavour to lesson or extend, my offence, but that on the other side if it be weighed by itself, with aggravations

not surcharged, or else with just allowance counter-poised, I may, if possible, thy pardon find the easier towards me, or thy hatred less. First, granting as I do, it was a weakness in me, but incident to all our sex, curiosity, inquisitive, importune of secrets, then with like infirmity to publish them, both common female faults. Was it not weakness also to make known for importunity, That is for naught, wherein consisted all thy strength and safety? To what I did, thou show'dst me first the way. But I, to enemies revealed, and should not, nor shouldst thou have trusted that to woman's frailty,

ere I to thee, thou to thyself wast cruel. Let weakness then, with weakness come to pall, So near related, or the same of kind, Thine forgive mine, That men may censure thine the gentler, if severely thou exact not more strength from me than in thyself was found. And what if love, which thou interprets hate, the jealousy of love powerful of sway in human hearts,

nor less in mind towards thee caused what I did? I saw thee mutable of fancy, feared lest one day thou wouldst leave me, as her at Timna, sought by all means, therefore, how to endear, and hold thee to me firmest. No better way I saw than by importuning to learn thy secrets, get into my power the key of strength and safety. Thou wilt say, why then revealed, I was assured by those who tempted me that nothing was designed against thee but safe custody and hold. That made for me I knew that liberty would draw thee forth to perilous enterprises, while I at home sate full of cares and fears, wailing thy absence in my widowed bed.

here I should still enjoy thee day and night, mine and love's prisoner, not the Philistines, whole to myself, unhazarded abroad, fearless at home of partners in my love. These reasons in love's law have passed for good, though fond and reasonless to some perhaps. and love hath oft, well-meaning, wrought much woe. Yet always pity or pardon hath obtained. Be not unlike all others, not austere as thou art strong, inflexible as steel.

If thou in strength, all mortals dost exceed, In uncompassionate anger, do not so. End of Section 5. Samson Agonistis by John Milton. Section 6. Samson. Dalila. How cunningly the sorceress displays her own transgressions to upbraid me, mine.

that malice not repentance brought thee hither by this appears i gave thou sayest the example i led the way bitter reproach but true i to myself was false ere thou to me such pardon therefore as i give my folly take to thy wicked deed which when thou seest impartial, self-severe, inexorable, thou wilt renounce thy seeking, and much rather confess it feigned. Weakness is thy excuse, and I believe it, weakness to resist Philistian gold. If weakness may excuse, what murderer, what traitor, parricide. incestuous sacrilegious but may plead it all wickedness is weakness that plea therefore with god or man will gain thee no remission but love constrained thee call it furious rage to satisfy thy lust love seeks to have love my love how could thou hope, who took'st the way to raise in me inexpeable hate, knowing as needs I must by thee betrayed.

In vain thou strives'd to cover shame with shame, or by evasions thy crime uncoversed more. Since thou determin'st weakness for no plea in man or woman, though to thy own condemning. Hear what assaults I had, what snares besides, What sieges girt me round, ere I consented, Which might have awed the best resolved of men, The constantest to have yielded without blame. It was not gold, as to my charge thou layest,

That wrought with me. Thou knowest the magistrates and princes of my country came in person, solicited, commanded, threatened, urged, endured by all the bonds of civil duty and of religion, pressed how just it was, how honourable, how glorious to entrap a common enemy, who had destroyed such numbers of our nation. and the priest was not behind but ever at my ear preaching how meritorious with the gods it would be to ensnare an irreligious dishonourer of dagon what had i to oppose against such powerful arguments only my love of thee held long debate and combated in silence all these reasons with hard contest. At length that grounded maxim, so rife and celebrated in the mouths of wisest men, that to the public good, private respects must yield. With grave authority, took full possession of me, and prevailed. Virtue, as I thought, truth due. beauty so enjoining.

I thought where all thy circling wiles would end, in feigned religion, smooth hypocrisy. But had thy love still odiously pretended, been as it ought, sincere, it would have taught thee far other reasonings, brought forth other deeds. I, before all the daughters of my tribe and of my nation, chose thee from among my enemies, loved thee, as too well thou knewest, too well, unbosomed all my secrets to thee, not out of levity, but overpowered by thy request, who could deny thee nothing. yet now am judged an enemy why then didst thou at first receive me for thy husband then as since then thy country's foe professed

being once a wife for me thou wast to leave parents and country nor was i their subject nor under their protection but my own thou mine not theirs if aught against my life thy country sought of thee it sought unjustly against the law of nature law of nations no more thy country but an impious crew of men conspiring to uphold their state by worse than hostile deeds violating the ends for which which our country is a name so dear, not therefore to be obeyed. But zeal moved thee, to please thy gods thou didst it. Gods unable to acquit themselves and prosecute their foes, but by ungodly deeds. The contradiction of their own deity gods cannot be. less therefore to be pleased obeyed or feared these false pretexts and varnished colours failing bear in thy guilt how foul must thou appear in argument with men a woman ever goes by the worse whatever be her cause for want of words no doubt

or lack of breath. Witness when I was worried with thy peals. I was a fool, too rash, and quite mistaken in what I thought would have succeeded best. Let me obtain forgiveness of thee, Sampson. Afford me place to show what recompense towards thee I intend for what I have misdone, misguided. Only what remains past cure bear not too sensibly, nor still insist to afflict thyself in vain. Though sight be lost, life yet hath many solaces, enjoyed where other senses want not their delights, at home in leisure and domestic ease,

Except from many a care and chance, To which eyesight exposes daily men abroad. I to the lords will intercede, Not doubting their favourable ear, That I may fetch thee from forth this loathsome prison-house To abide with me, Where my might, redoubled love and care with nursing diligence to me glad office, may ever tend about thee to old age,

with all things grateful cheered, and so supplied, that what by me thou hast lost, thou least shalt miss. No, no, of my condition take no care. It fits not. Thou and I long since are twain, Nor think me so unwary or accursed to bring my feet again into the snare where once I have been caught. I know thy trains, though dearly to my cost, thy gins and toils, thy fair enchanted cup and warbling charms, no more on me have power, their forces nulled. So much of Adder's wisdom I have learnt to fence my ear against thy sorceries. If in my flower of youth and strength, when all men loved, honoured, feared me,

thou alone could hate me, thy husband, slight me, sell me, and forego me, How wouldst thou use me now, blind, and thereby deceivable? in most things as a child helpless thence easily contemned and scorned and last neglected how wouldst thou insult when i must live oxoerius to thy will in perfect thraldom how again betray me bearing my words and doings to the lords to gloss upon and censure frown or smile. This jail I count the house of liberty, To thine whose doors my feet shall never enter.

Let me approach at least and touch thy hand. Not for thy life, Lest fierce remembrance wake my sudden rage To tear thee joint by joint. at distance i forgive thee go with that bewail thy falsehood and the pious works it hath brought forth to make thee memorable among illustrious women faithful wives cherish thy hasten'd widowhood with the gold of matrimonial treason so farewell i see thou art implacable more deaf to prayers than winds and seas yet winds to seas are reconciled at length and sea to shore thy anger unappeasable still rages eternal tempest never to be calmed.

Why do I humble thus myself, and suing for peace, reap nothing but repulse and hate? Bid go with evil omen, and the brand of infamy upon my name denounced. To mix with thy concernments, I desist henceforth, nor too much disapprove my own.

Fame, if not double-faced, is double-mouthed, and with contrary blast proclaims most deeds. On both his wings, one black, the other white, bears greatest names in his wild aerie flight. My name, perhaps among the circumcised in Dan, in Judah and the bordering tribes, to all posterity, may stand defamed, with malediction mentioned, and the blot of falsehood most unconjugal, introduced. But in my country, where I most desire, in Ekron, Gaza, Ashdod, and in Gus, I shall be named among the famousest of women,

sung at solemn festivals, Living and dead recorded, Who to save her country from a fierce destroyer Chose above the faith of wedlock bands, My tomb with odours visited and annual flowers. Not less renowned than in Mount Ephraim, Jael, who with inhospitable guile smote Cicera sleeping through the temples nailed.

Nor shall I count it heinous to enjoy the public marks of honour and reward conferred upon me for the piety which to my country I was judged to have shown. At this, whoever envies or repines, I leave him to his lot and like my own.

End of Section 6. Samson Agonistes by John Milton. Section 7. Chorus. Samson. Harafa. She's gone. A manifest serpent by her sting discovered in the end.

till now concealed. So let her go. God sent her to debase me, and aggravate my folly, who committed to such a viper, his most sacred trust of secrecy, my safety, and my life. Yet beauty, though injurious,

hath strange power, after offence returning to regain love once possessed, nor can be easily repulsed without much inward passion felt and secret sting of amorous remorse. Love quarrels often pleasing Concord end, not wedlock treachery, endangering life. it is not virtue wisdom valour wit strength comeliness of shape or amplest merit that woman's love can win or long inherit but what it is hard is to say harder to hit which way soever men refer it much like thy riddle sampson in one

on day or seven though one should musing sit if any of these or all the timnian bride had not so soon preferred thy paronymph worthless to thee compared successor in thy bed nor both so loosely disallied their nuptials nor this last so treacherous had shorn the fatal harvest of thy head. Is it for that such outward ornament was lavished on their sex, that inward gifts were left for haste unfinished, judgment scant, capacity not raised to apprehend or value what is best in choice, but oftest to affect the wrong, Or was too much of self-love mixed,

Of constancy, no root infixed, That either they love nothing, Or not long, Whate'er it be, To wisest men and best, Seeming at first, All heavenly under virgin veil, Soft, modest,

meek, demure, once joined. The contrary she proves, a thorn intestine, Far within defensive arms, A cleaving mischief, In his way to virtue, adverse and turbulent, Or by her charms, draws him awry, Enslaved with dotage, And his sense depraved to,

folly and shameful deeds which ruin ends. What pilot so expert but needs must wreck! Embarked with such a steers-mate at the helm! Favoured of heaven, who finds one virtuous, Rarely found that in domestic good combines. Happy that house! His way to peace is smooth, but virtue which breaks through all opposition and all temptation can remove, most shines, and most is acceptable above. Therefore, God's universal law gave to the man despotic power over his female in due awe, nor for

from that right to part an hour smile she or lower so shall he least confusion draw on his whole life not swayed by female usurpation nor dismayed but had we best retire i see a storm fair days have oft contracted wind and rain But this another kind of tempest brings. Be less abstruse, my riddling days are past. Look now for no enchanting voice, nor fear the bait of honeyed words. A rougher tongue draws hitherward. I know him by his stride. giant harafa of gath. His look haughty, as is his pile, high-built and proud. Comes he in peace.

What wind hath blown him hither, I less conjecture, than when first I saw the sumptuous Dalila floating this way. His habit carries peace, his brow, defyce, his brow, defylus, or peace or not alike to me he comes his fraught we soon shall know he now arrives i come not samson to condole thy chance as these perhaps yet wish it had not been though for no friendly intent i am of gaunt men call me haratha of stock renowned as og or anac and the emims old that kiriat haim held thou knowest me now if thou at all art known much i have heard of thy prodigious might and feats performed incredible to me in this displeased that i was never present on the place of these encounters where we might have tried each other's force in camp or listed field and now am come to see of whom such noise hath walked about and each limb to survey if thy appearance answer loud report

to see but taste. Dost thou already single me? I thought jives and the mill had tamed thee. O that fortune had brought me to the field, where thou art famed to have wrought such wonders, with an ass's jaw. I should have forced thee soon with other arms, or left thy carcass where the ass lay thrown.

So had the glory of prowess been recovered to Palestine, won by a Philistine from the unforeskinned race, of whom thou bears the highest name for valiant acts. That honour certain to have won by mortal duel from thee, I lose, prevented by thy eyes put out. Boast not of what thou wouldst have done, But do what then thou wouldst, Thou seize it in thy hand.

To combat with a blind man, I disdain, And thou hast need much washing to be touched. Such usage as your, honourable lords afford me, assassinated and betrayed, who durst not with their whole united powers, in fight withstand me single and unarmed, nor in the house with chamber ambushes, close banded dust attack me. No, not sleeping, till they had hired a woman with their gold, breaking her marriage faith to circumvent me. Therefore, without feigned shifts, let be assigned some narrow place

enclosed, where sight may give thee, or rather flight, no great advantage on me. Then put on all thy gorgeous arms, thy helmet and brigandine of brass, thy broad habergian, vaunt brass and grieves, and gauntlet, add thy spear a weaver's beam, and seven times folded shield. I only with an oaken staff will meet thee, and raise such outcries on thy cluttered iron, which long shall not withhold me from thy head, That in a little time, while breath remains thee, Thou oft shalt wish thyself at Gath To boast again in safety

What thou wouldst have done to Samson, But shalt never see Gath more. Thou dost not thus disparage, glorious arms, which greatest heroes have in battle worn, their ornament and safety, had not spells and black enchantments, some magician's art armed thee or charmed thee strong, which thou from heaven fainted at thy birth was given thee in thy hair, where strength can least abide, though all thy hairs were bristles ranged like those that ridge the back of chafed wild boars or ruffled porcupines.

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Section 8. Samson Haramson. I know no spells. Use no forbidden arts. My trust is in the living God, who gave me at my nativity this strength, diffused no less through all my sinews, joints, and bones than thine. While I preserved these locks unshorn, the pledge

of my unviolated vow. For proof hereof, if Dagon be thy God, Go to his temple, Invocate his aid with solemnest devotion. Spread before him How highly it concerns his glory Now to frustrate and dissolve these magic spells,

Which I to be the power of Israel, God a vow, and challenge Dagon to the test, offering to combat thee his champion bold, with the utmost of his godhead seconded. Then thou shalt see, or rather to thy sorrow, soon feel, whose God is strongest, thine or mine. Presume not on thy God, whate'er he be, thee he regards not, owns not, hath cut off quite from his people, and delivered up into thy enemy's hand, permitted them to put out both thine eyes, and fettered sent thee into the common prison, there to grind among the slaves,

and asses, thy comrades, as good for nothing else, no better service with those, thy boisterous locks, no worthy matchful valour to assail, nor by the sword of noble warrior, so to stain his honour, but by the barber's razor best subdued. All these indignities, for such they are from thine, these evils I deserve, and more. Acknowledge them from God inflicted on me justly, yet despair not of his final pardon, whose ear is ever open, and his eye gracious to readmit the suppliant. In confidence whereof I once again defy thee to the trial of mortal fight, By combat to decide whose God is God, thine or whom I with Israel's sons adore.

Fair honour that thou dost thy God, in trusting, he will accept thee to defend his cause, a murderer, a revolter and a robber. Tong, doughty, giant, how dost thou prove me these? Is not thy nation subject to our lords? Their magistrates confessed it when they took thee as a league-breaker, and delivered bound into our hands. for hadst thou not committed notorious murder on those thirty men at Ascalon, who never did thee harm, then like a robber, stripped them of their robes. The Philistines, when thou hadst broke the league, went up with armed powers,

thee only seeking, to others did no violence nor spoil. Among the daughters of the Philistines I chose a wife, which argued me no foe, and in your city held my nuptial feast. But your ill-meaning politician-lords, under pretence of bridal friends and guests, appointed to await me thirty spies, who threatening cruel death, constrained the bride to ring from me and tell to them my secret that solved the riddle which I had proposed. When I perceived all set on enmity, as on my enemies wherever chanced, I used hostility, and took their spoil to pay my underminers in their coin. My nation was subjected to your lords. It was the force of conquest. Force with force is well ejected when the conquered can. But I, a private person whom my country as a league-breaker gave up bound, presumed single rebellion, and did hostile acts. I was not. no private, but a person raised with strength sufficient and command from heaven to free my country. If their servile minds, me their deliverer sent would not receive, but to their masters

gave me up for naught, the unworthier they, whence to this day they serve. I was to do my part from heaven assigned, and had performed it if my known offence had not disabled me, not all your force. These shifts refuted, answer thy appellant, though by his blindness maimed for high attempts, who now defies thee thrice to single fight, as a petty enterprise of small enforce. With thee, a man condemned, a slave enrolled, due by the law to capital punishment, to fight with thee no man of arms will deign. came'st thou for this vain boaster to survey me to descant on my strength and give thy verdict come nearer but not hence so slight informed but take good heed my hand survey not thee

O Balzibab, can my ears, unused, hear these dishonours, and not render death? No man withholds thee, nothing from thy hand fear, I incurable. Bring up thy van, my heels are fettered, but my fist is free. insolence other kind of answer fits. Go baffled, coward, lest I run upon thee, though in these chains, bulk without spirit vast, And with one buffet lay thy structure low, Or swing thee in the air, Then dash thee down To the hazard of thy brains, and shattered sides. By Ashtaroth, ere long thou shalt lament these braveries In irons loiden on thee.

His giant ship is gone, somewhat crestfallen, Stalking with less unconscionable strides And lower looks, But in a sultry chafe. I dread him not, nor all his giant brood though fame divulge him father of five sons all of gigantic size goliah chief he will directly to the lords i fear and with malicious counsel stir them up some way or other yet further to afflict thee he must allege some cause and offered five will not dare mention lest a question rise whether he durst accept the offer or not, and that he durst not plain enough appeared. Much more affliction than already felt they cannot well impose, nor I sustain. If they intend advantage of my labours, the work of many hands, which earns,

my keeping with no small profit daily to my owners. But come what will, my deadliest foe will prove my speediest friend, by death to rid me hence, the worst that he can give, to me the best. Yet so it may fall out, because their end is hate, not help to me. It may with mine draw their own ruin, who attempt the deed. End of Section 8. Samson Agonistes by John Milton. Section 9 Chorus

Samson Public officer Oh, how comely it is And how reviving to the spirits of just men Long oppressed When God into the hands of their deliverer puts invincible might To quell the mighty of the earth

The oppressor, the oppressor, the brute and boisterous force of violent men, hardy and industrious to support tyrannic power, but raging to pursue the righteous, and all such as honour truth. He, all their ammunition and feats of war defeats, with plain heroic magnitude of mind and celestial vigour armed. Their armories and magazines contemns, renders them useless, while with winged expedition, swift as the lightning glance he executes his errand on the wicked.

Who, surprised, lose their defence, distracted and amazed? But patience is more often, the exercise of saints, the trial of their fortitude, making them each his own deliverer, and victor over all that tyranny or fortune can inflict. Either of these is in thy lot, Samson with might endewed above the sons of men. But sight bereaved may chance to number thee with thee with the gods of men. those whom patience finally must crown. This idol's day hath been to thee no day of rest,

laboring thy mind more than the working day thy hands, And yet perhaps more trouble is behind, For I descry this way some other tending, In his hand a sceptre or quaint staff he bears, comes on a main speed in his look. By his habit I discern him now a public officer, and now at hand. His message will be short and voluble.

Ebrues, the prisoner Sampson, here I seek. His manacles remark him, there he sits. Sampson, to thee our lords thus bid me say, This day to Dagon is a solemn feast, With sacrifices, triumph, pomp, and games, Thy strength they know surpassing human rate, And now some public proof thereof require To honour this great feast and great assembly.

rise therefore with all speed and come along where i will see thee heartened and fresh clad to appear as fits before the illustrious lords thou knowest i am an ibru therefore tell them our law forbids at their religious rites my presence for that cause i cannot come this answer be assured will not contempt them have they not sword players and every sort of gymnic artists wrestlers riders runners jugglers and dancers jugglers and dancers antics, mummers, mimics, but they must pick me out with shackles tired, and over-laboured at their public mill, to make them sport with blind activity. Do they not seek occasion of new quarrels on my refusal to distress me more, or make a game of my calamities? return the way thou camst, I will not come. Regard thyself, this will offend them highly. Myself, my conscience and internal peace.

Can they think me so broken, so debased with corporal servitude, that my mind ever will condescend to such absurd commands, although their drudge, to be their fool or jester, and in my midst of sorrow and heart grief, to show them feats and play before their god the worst of all indignities, yet on me joined with extreme contempt, I will not come.

My message was imposed on me with speed, Brooks no delay. Is this thy resolution? So take it with what speed thy message needs. I am sorry what this stoutness will produce. Perhaps thou shalt have cause to sorrow indeed. consider samson matters now are strained up to the height whether to hold or break he's gone and who knows how he may report thy words by adding fuel to the flame Expect another message more imperious, more lordly thundering than thou well wilt bear. Shall I abuse this consecrated gift of strength, again returning with my hair after my great transgression, so requite favour renewed, and add a greater sin by prostituting holy things to

idols, a Nazarite in place abominable, wanting my strength in honour to their Dagon. Besides, how vile, contemptible, ridiculous, what act more execrably unclean, profane. Yet with this strength thou surfs the Philistines, idolatrous, uncircumptuous, uncircumptial, unclined, Not in their idol worship, But by labour, honest and lawful To deserve my food Of those who have me in their civil power.

Where the heart joins not, Outward act defile not. Where outward force constrains, The sentence holds. But who constrains me to the temple of Dargon, not dragging. The Philistian Lord's command. Commands on no constraints. If I obey them, I do it freely, venturing to displease God for the fear of man, and man prefer set God behind, which in his jealousy shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness. Yet the

he may dispense with me or thee present in temples that idolatrous rites for some important cause thou needst not doubt how thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach be of good courage i begin to feel some rousing motions in me which dispose to something extraordinary my thoughts I, with this messenger, will go along. Nothing to do, be sure, that may dishonour our law, or stain my vow of Nazarite. If there be aught of presage in the mind, this day will be remarkable in my life by some great act, or of my days the last. In time thou hast resolved, the man returns. Samson, this second message from our lords to thee I am bid say, O art thou our slave, our captive, at the public mill our drudge,

And darest thou at our sending and command dispute thy coming? Come without delay, or we shall find such engines to assail and hamper thee as thou shalt come of force though thou wert firmly a fasten'd than a rock i could be well content to try their art which to no few of them would prove pernicious yet knowing their advantage is too many because they shall not trail me through their streets like a wild beast I am content to go. Master's commands come with a power resistless to such as owe them absolute subjection, and for a life who will not change his purpose, so mutable are all the ways of men. Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply scandalous or forbidden in our law.

i praise thy resolution doff these links by this compliance thou wilt win the lords to favour and perhaps to set thee free brethren farewell your company along i will not wish lest it perhaps offend them to see me girt with friends and how the sight of me as of a common enemy so treaded once, may now exasperate them, I know not. Lords are lordliest in their wine, and the well-feasted priest been soonest fired with zeal, if aught religion seem concerned. No less the people, on their holy days, impetuous, insolent, unquenchable.

Happen what may. Of me expect to hear nothing dishonourable, impure, unworthy our God, our law, my nation, or myself. The last of me, or no, I cannot warrant. Go, and the Holy One of Israel be thy guide to what may serve his glory best. and spread his name great among the heathen round. Send thee the angel of thy birth to stand fast by thy side, who from thy father's field rode up in flames after his message told of thy conception, and be now a shield of fire. That spirit that first rushed on thee in the camp of doubt, be efficacious in thee now at need.

For never was from heaven imparted measure of strength so great to mortal seed, as in thy wondrous actions hath been seen. But wherefore comes old Manoa, In such haste, with youthful steps, Much livelier than ere while he see, supposing here to find his son or of him bringing to us some glad news end of section nine samson agonistes by john milton section ten manoa chorus messenger peace with you brethren my inducement hither was not

not at present here to find my son, by order of the Lord's new parted hence to come and play before them at their feast. I heard all as I came, the city rings and numbers thither flock, I had no will, lest I should see him forced to things unseemly. that which moved my coming now was chiefly to give ye part with me what hope i have with good success to work his liberty that hope would much rejoice us to partake with thee say reverend sire we thirst to hear i have attempted one by one the lords either at home or or through the high street passing, with supplication prone and father's tears, to accept of ransom for my son their prisoner. Some much averse, I found, and wondrous harsh, contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite.

That part most reverenced Dagon and his priests. Others, more moderate seeming, but their aim private reward, for which both God and state they easily would set to sail. A third, more generous far, and civil, who confessed they had enough revenged, having reduced their foe to misery beneath their fears. the rest was magnanimity to remit if some convenient ransom were proposed what noise or shout was that it tore the sky doubtless the people shouting to behold their once great dread captive and blind before them or at some proof of strength before them show His ransom, if my whole inheritance may compass it, shall willingly be paid and numbered down. Much rather I shall choose to live the poorest in my tribe than richest and he in that calamitous prison left. No, I am fixed not to part hence without him. for his redemption all my patrimony if need be i am ready to forego and quit not wanting him i shall want nothing

fathers are wont to lay up for their sons thou for thy son art bent to lay out all sons sons won't to nurse their parents in old age Thou in old age, cursed how to nurse thy son, made older than thy age, through eyesight lost. It shall be my delight to tend his eyes, and view him sitting in the house, ennobled with all those high exploits by him achieved, and on his shoulders waving down, though locks that of a nation armed the strength contained. And I persuade me, God had not permitted his strength again to grow up, with his hair garrisoned round about him, like a camp of faithful soldiery, were not his purpose to use him farther yet in some great service, not to sit eye. with so great a gift useless and thence ridiculous about him and since his strength with eyesight was not lost god will restore him eyesight to his strength

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. I know your friendly minds, and— Oh, what noise! Mercy of heaven! What hideous noise was that! Horribly loud, and like the former shout! Noise call you it, or universal groan, as if the whole inhabitant.

habitation perished. Blood, death and dreadful deeds are in that noise. Ruin, destruction at the utmost point. Of ruin, indeed, me thought I heard the noise. Oh, it continues, they have slain my son. Thy son is rather slaying them. That outcry from slaughter of one foe could not ascend. Some dismal accident it neat must be. What shall we do? Stay here, or run and see? Best keep together here, lest running thither we unawares run into danger's mouth.

This evil on the Philistines is fallen, from whom could else a general cry be heard. The sufferers then will scarce molest us here. From other hands we need not much to fear. What if his eyesight? For to Israel's God nothing is hard, By miracle restored, He now be dealing dole among his foes, And over heaps of slaughtered walk his way.

That were a joy, presumptuous to be thought. Yet God hath wrought things as incredible for his people of old, what hinders now. He can, I know, but doubt to think he will. Yet hope would fain subscribe and tempts belief. A little stay will bring some notice hither. Of good or bad so great, of bad the sooner, for evil news writes post, while good news bates. And to our wish I see one hither speeding, an ebrew, as I guess, and of our tribe. O whither shall I run, or which way fly the sight of this so horrid spectacle, which erst my eyes beheld, and yet behold, for dire imagination still pursues me.

But providence or instinct of nature seems, or reason, though disturbed, and scarce consulted, to have guided me aright, I know not how, to thee first, reverend Manoa, and to these my countrymen whom here i knew remaining as at some distance from the place of horror so in the sad event too much concerned the accident was loud and hear before thee with rueful cry yet what it was we hear not no preface needs thou seest we long to know. It would burst forth, but I recover breath and sense distract, to know well what I utter. Tell us the sum, the circumstance, defer. Gaza, yet stands, but all her sons are fallen, All in a moment, overwhelmed and fallen. Sad, but thou know'st to Israelites, not saddest, the desolation of a hostile city.

Feed on that first, there may in grief be surfeit. Relate by whom? By Samson. That still lesson. the sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy. Ah, Manoa! I refrain too suddenly, to utter what will come at last too soon, lest evil tidings, with too rude eruption, hitting thy aged ear, should pierce too deep. Suspense in news is torture, speak them out.

then take the worst in brief samson is dead the worst indeed oh all my hopes defeated to free him hence but death who sets all free hath paid his ransom now and full discharge what windy joy this this day, and I conceived, hopeful of his delivery, which now proves abortive as the first-born bloom of spring, nipped with the lagging fear of winter's frost. Yet ere I give the rains to grief, say first how died he! death to life his crown or shame all by him fell thou sayest by whom fell he what glorious band gave samson his death's wound unwounded of his enemies he fell wearied with slaughter then or how explain by his own by his own hands self-violence what cause brought him so soon at variance with himself among his foes

inevitable cause at once both to destroy and be destroyed the edifice where all were met to see him upon their heads and on his own he pulled O lastly, over-strong against thyself! A dreadful way thou took'st to thy revenge. More than enough we know, But while things yet are in confusion, Give us, if thou canst, I witness of what first or last was done, relation more particular and distinct.

End of Section 10 Samson Agonistes by John Milton. Section 11 Messenger Chorus Chorus Chorus Marus

Manoa Ocasians drew me early to this city and as the gates i entered with sunrise the morning trumpets festival proclaimed through each high street little i had despatched when all abroad was rumoured that this day samson should be brought forth to show the people proof of his mighty strength in feats and games i sorrowed at his captive state but minded not to be absent at that spectacle the building was a spacious theatre half round on two main pillars vaulted high with seats where all the lords and each degree of sort might sit in order to behold the other side was open where the third where the third was open where the third throng on banks and scaffolds under sky might stand. I among these aloof obscurely stood. The feast and noon grew high, and sacrifice had filled their hearts with mirth, high cheer, and

wine, went to their sports they turned. Immediately was Samson as a public servant, brought, in their state livery clad. Before him pipes and timbrels. On each side went armoured guards, both horse and foot before him and behind, archers and slingers, catafracts and spears. At sight of him the people with a shout, rifted the air,

clamouring their god with praise. who had made their dreadful enemy their thrall. He, patient, but undaunted where they led him, came to the place, and what was set before him, which, without help of I, might be a sade, to heave, pull, draw, or break, he still performed all with incredible, stupendious force, none daring to appear antagonist. At length, for intermission's sake, they led him between the pillars.

He, his guide, requested, for so from such as nearer stood we heard, as overtired, to let him lean a while, with both his arms on those two massy pillars that to the arched roof gave main support, port. He unsuspicious led him, which when Samson felt in his arms, with head a while inclined, and eyes fast fixed he stood as one who prayed, or some great matter in his mind revolved.

At last, with head erect, thus cried aloud. Hitherto, lords, watch you. your commands imposed, I have performed, as reason was obeying, not without wonder or delight beheld. Now, of my own accord, such other trial I mean to show you of my strength, yet greater, as with a maze shall strike all who behold. This uttered, straining all his nerves, he bowed. As with the force of winds and waters pent, when mountains tremble, Those two massy pillars, with horrible convulsion to and fro,

He tugged, he shook, till down they came, and drew the whole roof after them, with bursts of thunder upon the heads of all who sate beneath, lords, ladies, captains, counsellors, or priests, their choice, nobility and flower, not only of this, but each Philistian city round, met from all parts to solemnise this feast. samson with these immixed inevitably pulled down the same destruction on himself the vulgar only escaped who stood without oh dearly bought revenge yet glorious living or dying thou hast fulfilled the work for which thou wast foretold to is and now liest victorious among thy slain self-killed not willingly but tangled in the fold of dire necessity whose law in death conjoined thee with thy slaughtered foes in number more than all thy life had slain before while their hearts were jockoned and sublime drunk with idolatry drunk with wine and fat regorged of bulls and goats chaunting their idol

and preferring before our living dread who dwells in shiloh his bright sanctuary among them he a spirit of frenzy scent who hurt their minds and urged them on with mad desire to call in haste for their destroyer they only set on sport and play unweetingly importuned their own destruction to come speedy upon them so fond are mortal men fallen into wrath divine as their own ruin on themselves to invite incensate left or to sense reprobate and with blindness internal struck but he though blind of sight despised and thought extinguished quite with inward eyes illuminated his fiery virtue you roused from under ashes into sudden flame, and as an evening dragon came, assailant on the perched roosts, and nests in order ranged of tame vilatic foul. But as an eagle, his cloudless thunder bolted on their heads. So virtue given for lost, depressed, and overthrown as seemed like that self-begotten bird in the arabian woods embossed that no second nose nor third

and lay erewhile a hollow coursed from out her ashy womb now teemed revives reflurishes then vigorous most when most unactive deemed and though her body die, her fame survives. A secular bird ages of lives. Come, come, no time for lamentation now, nor much more cause. Samson hath quit himself like Samson, and heroically hath finished a life heroic, on his enemies fully revenged, hath left them years of mourning and lamentation to the sons of Khaftur, through all Philistian bounds. To Israel, honour hath left, and freedom. Let but them find courage to lay hold on this occasion. to himself and father's house eternal fame, and which is best and happiest yet,

all this with God not parted from him, as was feared, but favouring and assisting to the end. Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wail, or knock the breast, no weakness, no contempt, despraise, or blame, Nothing but well and fair, And what may quiet us in a death so noble? Let us go find the body where it lies, Soaked in his enemy's blood, And from the stream with lavers pure and cleansing herbs

Wash off the clotted gore. with what speed the while. Gaza is not in plight to say us nay, We'll send for all my kindred, All my friends to fetch him hence, And solemnly attend with silent obsequy And funeral train, Home to his father's house.

There will I build him a monument, And plant it round with shade of laurel evergreen, and branching palm, with all his trophies hung, and acts enrolled in copious legend, or sweet lyric song, thither shall all the valiant youth resort, and from his memory inflame their breasts to matchless valour and adventures high. The virgins also shall on feastful days visit his tomb with flowers, only bewailing his lot unfortunate in nuptial choice, From whence captivity and loss of eyes.

All is best, though we oft doubt what the unsearchable dispose of highest wisdom brings about and ever best found in the clothes oft he seems to hide his face but unexpectedly returns and to his faithful champion hath in place bore witness gloriously whence gaza mourns and all that ban them to resist his uncontrollable intent his servants he with new acquies'd of true experience from this great event with peace and consolation hath dismissed and calm of mind all passion spent end of section eleven recording by martin gison end of samson agonistes by john milton