Man. Sad, but thou know'ft to Ifraelites not faddeft The defolation of a hostile city. 1561 Mefs. Feed on that first, there may in grief be furfeit. The forrow, and converts it nigh to joy. Mess. Ah Manoah, I refrain, too suddenly 1565 To utter what will come at last too soon; Left evil tidings with too rude irruption Hitting thy aged ear should pierce too deep. 1575 Man. Suspense in news is torture, speak them out. Mefs. Take then the worst in brief, Samson is dead. Man. The worst indeed, O all my hope's defeated 1571 To free him hence! but death who fets all free Hath paid his ransome now and full discharge. What windy joy this day had I conceiv'd Hopeful of his delivery, which now proves Abortive as the first-born bloom of spring Nipt with the lagging rear of winter's frost! Yet ere I give the reins to grief, say first, How dy'd he; death to life is crown or fhame. All by him fell thou fay'ft, by whom fell he, 1580 What glorious hand gave Samson his death's wound? Mefs. Unwounded of his enemies he fell. Man. Wearied with flaughter then or how? explain. Mefs. By his own hands. Man. Self-violence? what cause Brought him fo foon at variance with himself 1585 Among his foes? Mefs. Inevitable cause 1590 Man. O laftly over-strong against thyself! Eye-witnefs of what firft or laft was done, 1595 Mefs. Occafions drew me early to this city, And as the gates I enter'd with sun-rise, The morning trumpets feftival proclam'd Through each high street: little I had dispatch'd, When all abroad was rumor'd that this day 1601 Samfon should be brought forth, to show the people The building was a spacious theatre Half-round on two main pillars vaulted high, 1605 The other fide was open, where the throng 1610 On banks and scaffolds under sky might stand; I among these aloof obscurely stood. The feast and noon grew high, and facrifice Had fill'd their hearts with mirth, high chear, and wine, When When to their sports they turn'd. Immediately 1615 In their state livery clad; before him pipes None daring to appear antagonist. At length for intermiffion fake they led him 1625 1630 1635 1640 Not Not without wonder or delight beheld: Now of my own accord fuch other trial I mean to fhow you of my ftrength, yet greater; 1645 This utter'd, flraining all his nerves he bow'd, 1650 He tugg'd, he shook, till down they came and drew The whole roof after them, with burst of thunder Upon the heads of all who fat beneath, Lords, ladies, captains, counsellors, or priests, Chor. O dearly-bought revenge, yet glorious! 1655 1661 Thee with thy flaughter'd foes in number more (lime, Semichor. While their hearts were jocond and sub Drunk Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine, 1671 And fat regorg'd of bulls and goats, Chaunting their idol, and preferring In Silo his bright fanctuary: Among them he a spirit of phrenzy sent, And urg'd them on with mad defire 1675 1680 Their own destruction to come speedy upon them. So fond are mortal men Fall'n into wrath divine, As their own ruin on themselves t' invite, 1685 |