Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/200

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Samson Agonistes.

Comes on amain, speed in his look.
By his habit I discern him now
A Public Officer, and now at hand.
His message will be short and voluble.
Off.Ebrews, the Pris'ner Samson here I seek.
Chor.His manacles remark him, there he sits.1320
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[errata 1],
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 heartn'd and fresh clad
To appear as fits before th' illustrious Lords.
Sam.Thou knowst I am an Ebrew, therefore tell them,1330
Our Law forbids at thir Religious Rites
My presence; for that cause I cannot come.
Off.This answer, be assur'd, will not content them.

Sam.

Errata

  1. Original: race was amended to rate: detail