To Samson, but shall never see Gath more. arms, 1130 Which greatest heroes have in battle worn, Feign'dst at thy birth was giv'n thee in thy hair, SAMS. I know no spells, use no forbidden arts; My trust is in the living God, who gave me 1140 At my nativity this strength, diffus'd No less through all my sinews, joints, and bones, Than thine, while I preserv'd these locks unshorn, The pledge of my unviolated vow. 1143 1150 For proof hereof, if Dagon be thy god, Thee he regards not, owns not, hath cut off To put out both thine eyes, and fetter'd send thee Among the slaves and asses, thy comrades, 1165 SAMS. All these indignities, for such they are From thine, these evils I deserve and more, Acknowledge them from God inflicted on me 1170 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. HAR. Fair honour that thou dost thy God, in trusting He will accept thee to defend his cause, A murderer, a revolter, and a robber. 1175 1180 SAMS. Tongue-doughty giant, how dost thou prove me these? HAR. Is not thy nation subject to our lords? 1162 comrades.] Hen. IV. part 1. act. iv. sc. 2. And his comrades that daft the world aside.' Newton. Their magistrates confess'd it, when they took thee At Ascalon, who never did thee harm, Then like a robber stripp'dst 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. SAMS. Among the daughters of the Philistines Under pretence of bridal friends and guests, 1195 Who threat'ning cruel death constrain❜d the bride To wring from me and tell to them my secret, That solv'd the riddle which I had propos'd. 1200 When I perceiv'd all set on enmity, As on my enemies, wherever chanc'd, I us'd hostility, and took their spoil Το pay my underminers in their coin. I was no private, but a person rais'd 1205 1210 With strength sufficient and command from heav'n 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, And lower looks, but in a sultry chafe. 1245 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, 1256 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 1270 |