_Samson._ Brethren, farewell. Your company along I will not wish, lest it perhaps offend them To see me girt with friends; and how the sight 1415 Of me as of a common enemy, So dreaded once, may now exasperate them, I know not. Lords are lordliest in their wine; And the well-feasted priest then soonest fired With zeal, if aught religion seem concerned; 1420 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; 1425 The last of me or no I cannot warrant.
_Chorus._ 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; 1430 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 1435 In the camp of Dan, 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. 1440 But wherefore comes old Manoa in such haste With youthful steps? much livelier than ere while He seems: supposing here to find his son, Or of him bringing to us some glad news?
_Manoa._ Peace with you, brethren! My inducement hither 1445 Was not at present here to find my son, By order of the lords 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, 1450 Lest I should see him forced to things unseemly. But 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.
_Chorus._ That hope would much rejoice us to partake 1455 With thee. Say, reverend sire; we thirst to hear.
_Manoa._ 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 prisoner. 1460 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 1465 They easily would set to sale; 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, 1470 If some convenient ransom were proposed. What noise or shout was that? it tore the sky.