1355 Thy words by adding fuel to the flame? Vaunting my strength in honour to their Dagon? Idolatrous, uncircumcis'd, 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. [tence holds. SAMS. Where outward force constrains, the senBut who constrains me to the temple of Dagon, Not dragging? the Philistian lords command. Commands are no constraints. If I obey them, I do it freely, vent'ring to displease God for the fear of man, and man prefer, Set God behind: which in his jealousy Shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness. Yet that he may dispense with me or thee Present in temples at idolatrous rites 1375 For some important cause, thou need'st not doubt. CHOR. How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach. SAMS. 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. CHOR. In time thou hast resolved, the man returns. 1380 1385 1390 OFF. Samson, this second message from our lords Art thou our slave, To thee I am bid say. Our captive, at the public mill our drudge, 1395 And dar'st thou at our sending and command SAMS. I could be well content to try their art, πρόμαντις θυμὸς ὡς τὶ προσδόκα. Todd. To such as owe them absolute subjection; 1405 And for a life who will not change his purpose? Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply OFF. I praise thy resolution: doff these links; SAMS. Brethren, farewell; your company along I will not wish, lest it perhaps offend them To see me girt with friends; and how the sight Of me as of a common enemy, So dreaded once, may now exasperate them I know not. Lords are lordliest in their wine; CHOR. GO, and the Holy One Of Israel be thy guide 1425 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 1430 Of thy conception, and be now a shield Of fire; that spirit that first rush'd on thee Be efficacious in thee now at need. For never was from heaven imparted 1435 1440 Measure of strength so great to mortal seed, Or of him bringing to us some glad news? ment hither 1445 Was not at present here to find my son, CHOR. That hope would much rejoice us to 1450 1455 partake With thee; 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 pris'ner. 1434 shield] See T. Warton's Note on Comus, ver. 658. Some much averse I found and wondrous harsh, 1470 Or at some proof of strength before them shown. MAN. His ransom, if my whole inheritance May compass it, shall willingly be paid And number'd down: much rather I shall choose No, I am fix'd not to part hence without him. If need be, I am ready to forego 1480 And quit: not wanting him, I shall want nothing. Thou for thy son art bent to lay out all: |