As their deliverer? If he aught begin, CHOR. Thy words to my remembrance bring 275 280 285 Had dealt with Jephtha, who by argument, But God's propos'd deliverance not so. And justifiable to men; Unless there be who think not God at all: 295 If any be, they walk obscure; For of such doctrine never was there school, But the heart of the fool, And no man therein doctor but himself. Yet more there be who doubt his ways not just, As to his own edicts found contradicting, Then give the reins to wand'ring thought, Regardless of his glory's diminution; Till, oy their own perplexities involv'd, As if they would confine th' Interminable, Who made our laws to bind us, not himself, Whom so it pleases him by choice From national obstriction, without taint For with his own laws he can best dispense. 305 310 He would not else, who never wanted means, 315 Nor in respect of th' enemy just cause To set his people free, Have prompted this heroic Nazarite, To seek in marriage that fallacious bride, 320 Down reason then, at least vain reasonings Though reason here aver [down, That moral verdict quits her of unclean : Forthwith how thou ought'st to receive him. 325 SAMS. Ayeme! another inward grief awak'd 330 With mention of that name renews th' assault. MAN. Brethren and men of Dan, for such ye seem, Though in this uncouth place; if old respect, 335 345 CHOR. As signal now in low dejected state, As erst in highest, behold him where he lies. MAN. O miserable change! is this the man, 340 That invincible Samson, far renown'd, The dread of Israel's foes, who with a strength Equivalent to angels walk'd their streets, None offering fight; who single combatant Duell'd their armies rank'd in proud array, Himself an army, now unequal match To save himself against a coward arm'd At one spear's length. O ever-failing trust In mortal strength! and, oh! what not in man Deceivable and vain? nay, what thing good, 350 Pray'd for, but often proves our woe, our bane? I pray'd for children, and thought barrenness In wedlock a reproach; I gain'd a son, And such a son as all men hail'd me happy : Who would be now a father in my stead? 355 345 Duell'd] Barron's Cyprian Academy, p. 23, ed. 1648, and State Poems (by Denham), vol. i. p. 36. ⚫ Duels the fowler.' 354 son] Terentii Andria, I. 1. 69. tum uno ore omnes omnia Bona dicere, et laudare fortunas meas, Qui gnatum haberem tali ingenio præditum.' Newton. O wherefore did God grant me my request, Our earnest pray'rs, then, giv'n with solemn hand As graces, draw a scorpion's tail behind? 360 365 For this did th' angel twice descend? for this 375 Be it but for honour's sake of former deeds. 373 Appoint] That is, arraign, summon to answer. Warburton. 380 385 Of Timna first betray me, and reveal know; Thrice I deluded her, and turn'd to sport 390 396 She purpos'd to betray me, and, which was worse 405 404 Tongue-batteries] Shakes. Hen. VI. P. 1. act 3. sc. 3. "I am vanquish'd; these haughty words of hers Have batter'd me," &c. Todd. |