To free my country; if their servile minds But to their masters gave me up for nought, 1215 1220 [roll'd, HAR. With thee a man condemn'd, a slave in 1225 Due by the law to capital punishment? survey me, To descant on my strength, and give thy verdict? Come nearer, part not hence so slight inform'd ; But take good heed my hand survey not thee. 1230) HAR. O Baal-zebub! can my ears unus'd Hear these dishonours, and not render death? SAMS. No man withholds thee, nothing from thy hand Fear I incurable; bring up thy van, My heels are fetter'd, but my fist is free. 1235 HAR. This insolence other kind of answer fits. SAMS. 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 th' hazard of thy brains and shatter'd sides. HAR. By Astaroth ere long thou shalt lament These braveries in irons loaden on thee. [fall'n, CHOR. His giantship is gone somewhat crestStalking with less unconscionable strides, 1245 And lower looks, but in a sultry chafe. SAMS. I dread him not, nor all his giant brood, Though fame divulge him father of five sons, All of gigantic size, Goliah chief. CHOR. He will directly to the lords, I fear, 1250 And with malicious counsel stir them up Some way or other yet further to afflict thee. 1255 SAMS. He must allege some cause, and offer'd The work of many hands, which earns my keeping 1265 When God into the hands of their deliverer 1270 Puts invincible might To quell the mighty of the earth, th' oppressor, The brute and boist'rous force of violent men Hardy and industrious to support Tyrannic power, but raging to pursue The righteous, and all such as honour truth; And feats of war defeats, With plain heroic magnitude of mind Their armories and magazines contemns, With winged expedition, Swift as the light'ning glance, he executes But patience is more oft the exercise That tyranny or fortune can inflict : Samson, with might endued Above the sons of men; but sight bereav'd Whom patience finally must crown. 1275 1280 1285 1290 1295 This idol's day hath been to thee no day of rest Labouring thy mind 1284 Swift] Shakesp. Rich. II. act i. sc. 3. 'Be swift like lightning in the execution.' Todd. More than the working day thy hands. And yet perhaps more trouble is behind, Some other tending, in his hand A sceptre or quaint staff he bears, 130C 1305 OFF. Hebrews, the pris'ner Samson here I seek. CHOR. His manacles remark him, there he sits. OFF. Samson, 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 hearten'd and fresh clad T' appear as fits before th' illustrious lords. SAMS. Thou know'st I am an Hebrew, therefore Our law forbids at their religious rites [tell them, My presence; for that cause I cannot come. OFF. This answer, be assur'd, will not content them. [sort SAMS. Have they not sword-players, and ev'ry Of gymnic artists, wrestlers, riders, runners, Jugglers, and dancers, antics, mummers, mimics, But they must pick me out, with shackles tir'd, And over-labour'd at their public mill, To make them sport with blind activity? On Return the way thou cam'st, I will not come. highly. 1330 [peace. 1335 SAMS. Myself? my conscience and internal Can they think me so broken, so debas'd 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 Join'd with extreme contempt? I will not come. OFF. My message was impos'd on me with speed, Brooks no delay. Is this thy resolution? SAMS. So take it with what speed thy message needs. indeed. [duce. OFF. I am sorry what this stoutness will proSAMS. Perhaps thou shalt have cause to sorrow [strain'd CHOR. Consider, Samson, matters now are Up to the height, whether to hold or break. He's gone, and who knows how he may report 1349 1350 report] This is an inversion, as in the Classical writers. 'how he may add fuel, by reporting thy words.' Virg. Æn. iv. 477. ⚫ Consilium vultu tegit ac spem fronte serenat |