"Z- ^ ^ 0, I I . / Paradife Regaind. A POEM. In Four BOOKS. To which is added SAMSON AGONISTES. AND Poems upon feveral Occafions. With a Tra6i:ate of Education. The Author JOHN MILTON. The Sixth Edition, Correfled, LONDON: Printed for J. T o n s o n, at Shake/pear's Head, over- againft Catherine-Street in the Strand j and for M. ? o u L s N. M.DCC.XXsY. T H E TABLE. PAradife Regain d^ Book L Page r Book 11. 17 Book III. 3J BooklY. 47 Samfon Agoniflesl 7 j Poems on feveral Occafions* 15.5 Lycidas. In this Monody the Author he^ v^ails a Learned Friend^ unfortunately droxvnd in his Pajfage from Gh^fter, on the Irifll Seas^ 1(537. 135: L' Allegro. 141 II Penferofo. 14^ Arcades. Part of an Entertainment pre' fented to the Countefs cf Derby , 152 'A MASK. 157 On the Morning of Chrifl^s Nativity, ip'^: The Hymn. ip6 On the Death of a fair Infant dying of a Cough* ^At a Vacation Exercifein the College. 20& 1^ On The T A B L E. On Time, iii Upon the Circumcifion, 213 At a Solemn Mufich 214 An Epitaph on the Marchionefs c/Winchefter. 215 Song on May-Morning. 217 0/^ Shakefpear. 218 On the Univerfity Carrier, ivho Jtcken^d in the Time of his Vacancy, being fir bid to go to London, by reafon of the Plague, ibid. Another on the fame. 2 1 9 On the new Forcers of Confcience under the Long Parliament. 220 Ad Pyrrham, Ode V. 221 The fifth Ode of Horace, Lib. i. Englijh'd* Sonnets. 223 Pfalm I. done into Verfe^ 16^^, 241 Pfalm 2. 24a Pfalm 3. 243 Pfalm 4. 244 Pfalm 5. 245 Pfalm 6. 245 Pfalm 7. " 247 Pfalm 2. 2 so Pfalm 2o: 251 Pfalm 81. 254 Pfalm S2. 2$d PfalmS^. 257 Pfalm The T A B L E. Pfalm 84. 259 Pfalm S^. 261 Pfalm 8^. 262 Pfalm 87. 26$ Pfalm 88. 266 A Paraphrafe en Tfahn 114. 2<58 . On Pfalm 1-^6. 2<59 Joannis Miltoni Londincnfis Poemata. Quo- rum f lev aque intra Annum ^Etatis Vlgejimum confcriffit. 273 Ehgia prima ad Car olum Dio datum* 282 Elegia fecunda in Obitum Praconis Academici Cantabrigienjis* 285 Elegia tertia in Obitum Prafulis Wintonienfls, 226 Elegia quart a, adThomam Junium^^ &c. 288 Elegia quint ay in adventum Veris* 292 Elegia fexta^ ad Car olum Dio datum ^ ruri com" morantem, 2^6 Elegia feptima, 2P9 Jn Proditionem Bomhardicam* 302 In Inventorem Bombarda, 3 04 Ad Leonoram Roma CanententC ibt Apologus de Ruflico & Hero. 305 Sjlvarum Liber* In Obitum Prccancellarii Me-- Jici. Zo6 In Quintum Novembris, 308 In Obitum Prafulis Elienfs. 3 14 Naturam non pati fenium* 3 ^^ De The TABLE. ^ Idea Platonica quemadmodum Arifloteles in* tellexit. 318 Ad Patrem. 319 FfalmCXiy. S^z Philofophus ad regem quendam qui eum ignotum (^ infontem inter reos forte captum infcius damnaverat tVjj ^ ^^vdia m^dh^/^Q- hacfw hito mifit, 323 Jn Effigiei ejus Sculptor ent' ib. Ad Salfillum Poetam Romanum agrotantem^ 324 Manfus. 325 Epitafhium DamoniS' 3 29 Adjoannem Roufiumy 0>:onienJisAcademia Bib- liothecarium» 33 5' Of Education, to M*. Samuel Hartlib. 341 5v vS. Para-^. Paradise Regained; BOOK I. WHO ere while the happy Garden fling. By one xMan's Difobedience loft, now finer Recovei-'d ParadiTe to all mankfnd, "^ By one man's firm Obedience fijlly try'd Through all temptation, and the Tempter foil'd ^ ^ In all his wiles, defeated and repuls'd. And Eden rais'd in the wafte Wildernefs. Thou Spirit who ledft this glorious Eremite Into the Defart, his victorious Field Againft the fpiritual Foe, and brought'ft him thence 13 By proof the undoubted Son of God, infpire. As thou art wont, my prompted Song elfe mute. And bear through heighth or depth of Nature's bounds With profperous wing full fumm'd, to tell of deeds Above Heroic, though in fecret done, j^ And unrecorded left through many an Age, Worthy t'have not remain'd fo Ions unfun'o- ^ Now a Taradise Regained. Bookl. Now had the great Proclaimer with a voice More awful than the found of Trumpet, cry'd Repentance, and Heaven's Kingdom nigh at hand lo To all Baptiz'd : to his great Baptifm flock'd With awe the Regions round, and with them came Prom Nazareth the Son of ^^j^/^deem'd To the flood Jordan came, as then obfcure, Unmarkt, unknown ; but him the Baptift foon 25 Defcry'd, divinely warn'd, and witnefs bore As to his worthier, and would have refign'd To him his Heavenly Office, nor was long His witnefs unconfirm'd : on him baptiz'd Heav'n open'd, and in likenefs of a Dove 3<^ The Spirit defcended, while the Father's voice From Heav'n pronounc'd him his beloved Son. That heard the Adverfary, who roving ftill About the World, at that Aflembly fam'd Would not be laft, and with the voice divine ^^ Kich Thunder-ftruck, th' exalted man^ to whom Such high atteft was giv'n, a while furvey'd With wonder, then with envy fraught, and rage. Flies to his place, nor refts, but in mid air To Council fummons all his mighty Peers, • 43 Within thick Clouds and dark ten-fold involv'd, A gloomy Confiftory 5 and them amidft With looks agaft and fad he thus befpake. O ancient PowVs of Air and this wide world, Fov much more willingly I mention Air, 45 This our old Conquefl:, than remember Hell Our hated habitation 3 well ye know How many Ages, as the years of men. This Univerfe we have pofleft, and rul'd In manner at our will th' affairs of Earth, ^o Since Bookl. Paradise Regain'd. 3 Since Adam and his facil confort Eve Loft Paradife deceiv'd by me, though fince With dread attending when that fatal wound Shall be inflided by the Seed of Eve Upon my head, long the decrees of Heav'n 55 Delay, for longeft time to him is fhort ; And now too foon for us the circling hours This dreaded time have compaft, wherein we Muft bide the ftroak of that long threatn d wound. At leaft if fo we can, and by the head ^o Broken be not intended all our power To be infring'd, our freedom and our being. In this fair Empire won of Earth and Air ; Por this ill news I bring, the Woman's feed Deftin'd to this, is late of Woman born, g^ His Birth to our juft fear gave no fmall caufe. But his growth now to youth's full flower, difplaying All virtue, grace, and wifdom to atchieve Things higheft, greateft, multiplies my fear. Before him a great Prophet, to proclaim 70 His coming, is fent Harbinger, who all Invites, and in the confecrated ft ream Pretends to w^afh off fin, and fit them fo Purifi'd to receive him pure, or rather To do him honour as their King : all come, 75 And he himfelf among them was baptiz'd. Not thence to be more pure, but to receive The Teftimony of Heav'n, that who he h Thenceforth the Nations may not doubt ; I faw The Prophet do him reverence, on him x'lCino Jq Out of the Water, Heav'n above the Clouds Unfold her Chryftal Doors, thence on his head A perfefi: Dove defcend, whate'erit meant. And out of Heav'n the Sovereign voice 1 hear This is my Son beloved, in him am pleas'd* 85 B i Hi* 4 Paradise Regained. Book! His Mother then is mortal, but hh Sire, He who obtains the Monarchy of Heav'n, And what will he not do to advance his Son J His firft-begot we know, and fore have felt. When his fierce thunder drove us to the deep j jd Who this is we muft learn, for Man he feems In all his lineaments, though in his face The glimpfes of his Father's glory fhine ; Ye fee our danger on the utmoft edge Of hazard, which admits no long debate, 9 5 Eut muft with fomething fudden be oppos'd, Kot force, but well couch'd fraud, well woven fnareS;, Ere In the head of Nations he appear Their King, their Leader, and Supream on Earth. I, when no other durft, fole undertook 1®^ The difmal expedition to find out And ruin Adam, and th' exploit performed Succefsfully j a calmer Voyage now Will waft me ; and the way found profp'rous once Induces beft to hope of like fuccefs. io$ He ended, and his words impreflion left Of much amazement to th' infernal Crew, Diftraded and furpriz'd with deep difmay At thefe fad tidings j but no time was then For long indulgence to their fears or grief: no Unanimous they all commit the care And management of this main Enterprize To him their great Dictator, whofe attempt At firft againft mankind fo well had thriv'd In Ada'/n's overthrow, and led their march 115 From Hell's deep-vaulted Den to dwell m light, Regents and Potentates, and Kings, yea Gods Of many a pleafant Realm and Province wide. So to the Coafl: of Jordan he direds His ealie fteps 5 girded with fnaky wile^^ ^^0 Where Bookl. Paradise Regained. "5 Where he might likelieft find ihis new declared. This Man of men, attefted Son of God,. Temptation and all guile on him to try j So to fubvert whom he fufpeded rais'd To:end his Reign on Earth fo longenjoy^dt %i$' But contrary unweeting he fulfill'd The purpos'd Counfel pre-ordain'd and fi^xt Of the moft High, who in full frequence bright Of Angels, thus to Gabriel fmiling fpake. Gabriel, this day by proof thou fhalt behold^ IJ^ Thou and alIAn?els converfant on Earth- With man or mens affairs,, how I begin To verifie that folemn MefTage late. On which I fent thee to the Virgin pure- In Galilee, that flie fliould bear a Son t^% Great m Renown, and calPd the Son of God 5 Then toldft her, doubting hov/thefe things could be; To her a Virgin-, that on her fhould come The Holy Ghoft, and the Power of the Higheft O'er-fhadow her : this Man born and now up-grown^ To fhew him worthy of his Birth Divine 14^ And high Predidion, henceforth I expofe To Satan j let him tempt and now aflay His utmoft fubtilty, becaufe he boafts And vaunts of his great cunning to the throng Mi^ Of his Apoftafie j he might have learnt Lefs overweening, flncehefail'd in ^ob, Whofe content perfeverance overcame Whatever his cruel malice could invent j He now fhall know I can produce a Maa IfO Of female Seed, far abler to redd All his follicitations, and at length Allhis vaft force, and drive him back to Hell;, Winning by Conqueft what the firft man loft By fallacy furpriz'd. But firft I mean I f*^. B ^ Ta 6 Paradise Regained. Bookl. To exercife him in the Wildernefs, There he fhall firft lay down the rudiments Of his great warfare, ere I fend him forth To conquer Sin and Death the two grand foes^ By Humih'ntion and ftrong Sufferance : i^O His weaknefs fhall o'ercome Satanick ftrength And all the world, and mafs of finful flefh 5 That all the Angels and iEtherial Powers, They now, and men hereafter may difcern, rrom what confummate virtue I have chofe 16% This perfeft Man, by merit call'd my Son, To earn Salvation for the Sons of men. So fpake th' Eternal Father, and all Heav'n Admiring flood a fpace, then into Hymns Burft forth, and in Celeftial meafures mov'd 17© Circling the Throne and Singing, while the hand Sung with the voice, and this the argument. Viftory and Triumph to the Son of God Now entring his great duel, not of arms, But to vanquidi by wifdom hellifh wiles, I75 The Father knows the Son ; therefore fecure Ventures his filial Virtue, though untry'd, Againft whate'er may tempt, whate'er feduc^ Allure, or terrifie, or undermine. Be friiftrate all ye ftratagems of Hell, 18^ And devilifli machinations come to nought. So they in Heav'n their Odes and Vigils tun'd : Mean while the Son of God, who yet fome days Lodg'd in Bethabaravf\\QXQ John baptiz'd, Mufing and much revolving in his breafl, 185 How beft the mighty work he might begin Qf Saviour to mankind, and which way firft Publifh BookL Paradise Reg aih'd. 7 Publifli his God-like Office now matuie. One day forth walk'd alone, the Spirit leading; And his deep thoughts, the better to converfe 190. With foh'tude, till far from track of men. Thought following thought, and ftep by ftep led On, He eiitred now the bordering defart wild. And with dark fhades and rocks environ'd round. His holy meditation thus purfu'd. x 5 ?- O what a multitude of thoughts at once Awaken'd in me fwarm, while 1 confider What from within 1 feel my felf, and hear, . What from without comes often to my ears, 111 forting with my prefent ftate com par 'd, . 20O When I was yet a Child, no childifh play To me was pleafing, all my mind was fet . Serious to learn and know, and thence to do What might be publick good j my felf 1 thought Born to that end, born to promote all truth, 205 , All righteous things : therefore above my years. The Law of God 1 read and found it fweet. Made it my whole delight, and in it grew To fuch perfection, that ere yet my age Had meafur'd twice fix years, at our great Feaft. 21©, I went into the Temple, there to hear The Teachers of our Law, and to propofe What might improve ray knowledge or their own j And was admir'd by all, yet this not all To which my Spirit afpir'd, victorious deeds 11^ Flam'd in my heart, heroic ads, one while To refcue Ifrael from the R I bid not or forbid j do as thou find'ft PermifHon from above j thou can*ft not more. 4n He added not ; and Satan bowing low His gray diflimulation, difappear'd Into thin Air diffused : for now began Night with her fuUen wings to double-fhade ^00 The Defart, Fowls in their clay nefts were couched j And now wild Beafts came forth the Woods to roam. T/je End of the Firjl Book, ( 17 ) Faradise Regain'd. BOOK II. E AN while the new-baptiz'd, who yst remain'd M -ffi ^^ Jordan with the Baptift, and had feea Him whom they heard fo late expi-efly call'd Jefus Mefliah Son of God declar'd. And on that high Authority had believ'd, ^ And with him talkt, and with him lodg'd, I mean Andrevj and Smont famous after known. With others though m Holy Writ not nam'd. Now milTmg him their Joy fo lately found. So lately found, and fo abruptly gone, ICJ Began to doubt, and doubted many days. And as the days increas'd, increas'd their doubt : Sometimes they thought he might be only Ihewn, And for a time caught up to God, as once Mofes was in the Mount, and milling long j I ? And the great Thisb'tte who on fiery wheels Rode up to Heav'n, yet once again to come. Therefore as thofe young Prophets then with care Sought loft Elijah, fo in each place thefe Kig^ i8 Paradise RecxAin'd. BooklF. Kigh to Bethabara ; m Jerico ^.o The City of Palms, uEnon, and Salem old, MachArm and each Town or City wall'd On this fide the broad lake Genez^aret, Or \\\ Perea, but returnM in vain. Then on the bank o? :}ordan, by a Creek, 2^ Where winds with Reeds and Ofiers whifp'ring play, Plain Fifhermen, no greater men them call, Clofe m a Cottage low to^rether ^ot. Then- unexpeded lofs and plaints out.breath'd. . Alas, from that high hope to whatrelapfe 30 Unlook'd for are we fall'n, our Eyes beheld Mediah certainly now come, fo long Expe(fled of our Fathers ; we have heard His words, his wifdom full of 2:race and tmth. Now, now, for fur e, deliverance is at hand, 55 The Kingdom fhall to Ifrael be reftor'd : Thus we rejoic'd, but foon om- Joy is tijrn'd Into perplexity and new amaze : For whither is he gone, what accident Hath rapt him from us ? W'ill he now retire 4* After appearance, and again prolong Our expedation ? God o£ Ifrael, Send thy MelTiah forth, the time is come ; Behold the Kings of th' Earth how they opprefs Thy chofen, to what heighth their Pow'r un^i^ft 4^ They have exalted, and behind them, caft All fear of the£ ; arife and vindicate Thy glory, fiee thy people from their yoke, But let us wait j thus far he hath perform'd, S^nt his Anointed, and to us reveal'd him, 5» By his great Pi'ophet, pointed at and fhown In publick, and with him we have convers'd i Let us be glad of this, and all our fears Lay on his Providence j he will not fail Nor Bookll. Paradise Regained, ip Nor will withdraw him now, nor will recall, ^ $ Mock us with his bleft iight, then fnatchhim hence> Soon we fhall fee our hope, our joy return. Thus they out of their plaints new hope refume To find whom at the firft they found unfought : But to his mother Mar^, when fhe faw ^O Others return'd from Eaptifm, not her Son, Nor left at 'Jordan, tidings of him nonej Within her breaft, though calm ; her breaft, though pure. Motherly cares and fears got head, and rais'd Some troubled thoughts, which fHe m fighs thus clad. ^ 5 O what avails me now that honour high To have conceiv'd of God, or that falute Hale highly favour'd, among Women bleft 5 ^ While I to Sorrows am no lefs advanc'd. And fears as eminent, above the lot 7^ Of other Women, by the birth I bore, In fuch a feafon born when fcarce a Shed Could be obtain'd to flielter him or me Prom the bleak air, a Stable was our warmth, A Manger his, yet foon enforc'd to fly 75 Thence into Egypt, till the murd'rous King Were dead, who fought his life, and milling fill'd With Infant blood the flreets of Bethlehem j From Egypt home return'd, in Nazareth Hath been our dwelling many years, his life 80 Private, unadive, calm, contemplative. Little fufpiciousto any Kingj but now Full grown to Man, acknowledg'd, as I hear. By John the Baptift, and in publick fhown. Son own'd from Heaven by his Father's voice : 85 I look'd for fome great change ; to Honour J no. But trouble, as old Simeon plain foretold. That 20 Paradise Reg ain'd. Book II. That to the fall and riung he fliould be Of many in Ifrael, and to a (ign Spoken againft, that through my very Soul 5© A fword fhall pierce, this is my favour'd lot. My Exaltation to Afflictions high j Afflided I may be, it feems, and bleft ; I will not argue that, nor will repine. But where delays he now ? fome great intent 9 ^ Conceals him : when twelve years he fcarce had feen, I loft him, but fo found, as well I faw He could not lofe himfelf j but went about His Father's bufinefs ; what he meant I mus'd. Since underftand ♦, much more his abfence now 100 Thus long to fome great purpofe he obfcures. But I to wait with patience am inured 5 My heart hath been a ftore-houfe long of thinf^s And fayings laid up, portending ftrangc events. Thus Mary pond'ring oft, and oft to mind ib^ Recalling what remarkably had pafs'd jSince -iirft her Salutation heard, with thoughts Meekly composed avv'aited the fulfilling : The while her Son tracing the Defart wild. Sole but with holieft Meditations fed, * li* Into himfelf defcended, and at once All his great wofk to come before him fet j How to begin, how to accomplifh beft His end of being on Earth, and million high : For Satan with fly preface to return 1 1 $ Had left him vacant, and with fpeed was gon Up to the middle Region of thick Air, Where all his Potentates m Council fate ; There without fign of boaft, or fing of joy> 5ollicitous and blank he thus began. 12-0 PrinceSj Book II. Paradise Regain'd. 21 Princes, Heav'ns ancient Son?, i^thereal Thrones, Demonian Spirits now, from th' Element Each of his reign allotted, rightlier call'd, Pow'rs of Fire, Air^ Water, and Earth beneath. So may we hold our place and thefemild feats 125 Without new troubles 5 fuch an Enemy Is rifen to invade us, whom no hfs Threatens our expulfion down to Hell j I, as I undertook, and with the vote Confenting in full frequence was impowerM, 130 Have found him, view'd him, tafted him, but find Par other labour to be undergon Than when I dealt with Adam firft of Men, Though Adam by his Wife's allurement fell. However to this Man inferior far, 13^ If he be Man by Mother's fide at leaflr. With more than human gifts from HeaY*n adorn'd, ^erfedionsabfolute, Graces divine. And amplitude of mind to greateft Deeds, Therefore I am return'd, left confidence 140 Of my fuccefs with Eve in Paradife Deceive ye to perlwafionover-fure Of like fucceeding here j I fummon all Rather to be in readinefs, with hand Or counfel to alllft j left I who erft 14^ Thought none my equal, now be over-match'd. So fpake th' old Serpent doubting, and from all With clamour was afllir'd their utmoft aid At his command J when from amidft them rofe Belialy the diffoluteft Spirit that fell, j^O The fenfualleft, and, after Af:nodai, The flefhlieft Incubus, and thus adyis'd. Set 22 Paradise Regain'd. Bookll. Set women in his eye, and in his walk. Among daughters of men the faireft found j Many are in each Region pafling fair 1 5 ^ As the noon Sky ; more like to GoddefTes Than mortal Creatures, graceful and difcreec, Ixpert in am'rous Arts, enchanting tongues Perfuafive, Virgin majefty with mild And fweet allay'd, yet terrible t'appr each, l^^ Skill'd to retire, and in retinng draw Hearts after them tangl'd in amorous Nets. Such objed hath the pow'r to foft^'n and tame Severeft temper, fmooth the rugged'ft brow, Enerve, and with voluptuous hope diiTolve, 1^5 Draw out with credulous defire, and lead At will the manlieft, refoluteft breaft. As the Magnetic hardeft Iron draws. Women, when nothing elfe, beguil'd the heait Of wifeft S(?/(?7»o», and made him build, 17 j And made him bow to the Gods of his Wives.j To whom quick anfwer Satan thus return'd : Belial, in much uneven fcale thou weigh 'ft All others by thyfelf, becaufe of old Thou thy felfdoat'dft on woman-kind, admiring 17^ Their fhape, their colour, and attractive grace. None are, thou think^ft, but taken with fuch toys. Before the Flood thou with thy lufty Crew, Falfe titled Sons of God, roaming the Earth Caft wanton eyes on the daughters of men, 180 And coupled with them, and begot a race. Have we not feen, or by relation heard. In Courts and Resal Chambers how thou lurk'dft. In Wood or Grove by mo(Tie Fountain (Ide, In Valley or green Meadow to way-lay 185 Some Beauty rare, Calijlo, Clymene, 'Daphne, Bookll. Paradise Regain'd, 23 Daphne, or Semele, Antiopa, Or Amymone, Syrinx, many more Too long, then lay'dft thy fcapes on names ador'd, Apollo y Neptune, Jupiter oy Pan, I^q Satyr, or Fawn, or Silvan ? But thefe haunts Delight not all 5 among the Sons of Men, How many have with a finile made fmall account Of beauty and her lures, e afily fcorn'd AH her afTaults, on worthier things intent I 195 Remember that Pellean Conqueror, A Youth, how all the Beauties of the Eai^ He nightly view'd, and flightly overpafs'd j How he firnam'd of Africa difmifs'd In his prime youth the fair iber'ian Maid. 2 0® For Solomon, he liv'd at eafe, and fiill Of honour, wealth, high fare, aim'd not beyond Higher defign than to enjoy his State ; Thence to the bait of Women lay expos'd ^ JBut he whom we attenipt is wifer far iO$ Than Solomon, of more exalted mind. Made and fet wholly on th' accomplifhmerit Of greateft things ; what Woman will you find, Thou2;h of this a2;e the wonder and the fame. On whom his leifure will vouchfafe an eye 210 Of fond defire ? or fliould fhe confident. As fitting Queen r.dor'd on Beauty's Throne, Defcend with all her winning charms begirt T' enamour, as the Zone of Venus once Wrought that effect on Jove, fo Fables tell j 115 How would one look from his Majeftick broW, Seated as on the top of Virtue's hill, Difcount'nance herdefpis'd, and put to rout All her array, her female pride dejefl, Or turn to rev'rent awe I for Beauty ftands iid i In 24 Paradise Regain'd. Bookll. In th* admiration only of weak minds Led captive j ceafe t'admire, and all het: Plumes Fall flat and flinnk into a trivial toy. At every fudden flighting quite abaflit : Therefore with manlier objcfts we muft: try za^ His conftancy, with fuch as have more fliew Of worth, of honour, glory, and popular praife Rocks whereon greateft Men have often wreckM j Or that which only feems to fatisfie Lawful defires of Nature, not beyond j 13© And now I know he hungers where no food Is to be found, in the wild Wildernefs, The refl: commit to me, I fliall let pafs No advantage, and his ftrength as oft aflay. He ceas'd, and heard their grant in loud acclaim : 25 ^ Then forthwith to him takes a chofen band Of Spirits likefl: to himfelf in guile To be at hand, and at his beck appear. If caufe were to unfold fome a£live Scene Of various Perfons each to know his^art ; 240 Then to the Defart takes with thefe his flight 5 Where fliill from fliade to fhade the Son of God After forty days fafting had remain'd, Kow hungring firfl:, and to himfelf thus faid. Where will this end ? four times ten days I've pafs'd Wandring this woody maze, and human Food 145 Nor tafted, nor had appetite ; that Fafl To Virtue I impute not, or count part Of what I fufFer here; if Nature need not. Or God fupport Nature without repafl: 25^ Though needing, what praife is it to endure > Bile now I feel I hunger, which declares Kature hath need of what ftie asks 5 yet God Can Book II. Paradise Regain'd. 25 Can fatlsfie that need fome other way. Though hungef ftill remain : Co it remam 155 Without this body's wafting, I content me. And from the fling of Famine fear no harm. Nor mind it, fed with better thoughts that Ce^d Me hungring more to do my Father's will. It was the hour of night, when thus the Son t60 Coramun'd in fllent walk, then laid him down Under the hofpitable coveit nigh Of trees thick interwoven j there he flept. And dream'd, as appetite is wont to dream. Of meats and drink?. Nature's refrefliment fweet; i^f Him thought, he by the Brook of Cherlth ftood, And faw the Ravens with their horny beaks Food to Elijah bringing Even and Morn, Tho rav'nous, taught fabftain from what they brou<»ht : He faw the Prophet alfo how he fled i 73 Into the Defart, and how there he flept Under a Juniper j then how awak'd. He found his Supper on the coals prepar'd, And by the Angel was bid rife and eat. And eat the fecond time after repofe, 27^ The ftrength whereof fuffic'd him forty days j Sometimes that witli Elijah he partook. Or as a gueft with Daniel at his Pulfe. Thus wore out night, and now the Herald Lark Left Jiis ground-neft, high tow'iingto defcry 283 The morn's approach, and greet her with his Song : A"? h'ghtly from his grafl^e couch up rofe Our Saviour, and found all was but a dream, Fafting he went to fieep, and fifting wak'd. Up to a hill anon his fteps he rear'd, » 8< From whofe high top to ken the profped round, C If 26 Paradise Regain'd. Bookll. If Cottage were m view, Sheep-cote or Herd j But Cottage, Herd, or Sheep-cote none he faw. Only in a bottom (aw a pleafant Grove, With chaunt of tuneful Birds refounding loud 5 250 Thither he bent his way, determinM there To reft at noon, and enterM foon the fhade High rooft and walks beneath, and alleys brown Thai open'd in the midfi: a woody Scene, Nature's own wm-k it feem'd (Nature taught Art) 195 And to a fuperftitious eye the haunt Of Wood-Gods and Wood-Nymphs ; he view'd it round. When fuddenly a man before him ftood. Not ruftic as before, but feemlier clad. As one in City, or Court, or Palace bred, 30® And with fair fpeech thefe words to him addrefs'd. With granted leave officious I return, !Eut much more wonder that the Son of God In this wild folitude fo long fhould bide Of all things deftitute, and well I know, 505 Not without hunger. Others of fome note. As ftory tells, have trod this Wildernefs 5 The fugitive Bond-woman with her Son Out-caft NehAioth, yet found here relief By a providing Angel j all the race 310 Of Ifrael here had famifh'd, had not God Rain'd from Heav'n Manna, and that Prophet bold Native of Thebes wandring here was fed Twice by a voice inviting him to eat 5 Of thee thefe forty days none hath regard, 31$ Porty and moredeferted here indeed. To whom thus Jefus : What conclud'ft thou hence ? They all had need, I as thou feed have none. Hov/ Bookll. ParadiseRegain'd. 27 How haft thou hunger then > Satan reply 'd. Tell me if Food were now before thee fer, aiO Would'ft thou not eat ? Thereafter as 1 like the giver, anfwerM Jefus. Why fhould that Caufe thy refufal, faid the fubtle Fiend ? Haft thou not riaht to all created things ? Owe not all Creatures by juft right to ihec 325 Duty and fervice, not to ftay till bid. But tender all their pow'r ? nor mention I Meats by the Law unclean, or offer'd firft To Idols, thofe young Daniel could refufe j Nor profFer'd by an Enemy, though who 350 Would fcruple that, with want oppreft ? Behold Nature afham'd, or better to exprefs, Troubl'd that thou fhould'ft hunger, hath purveyed Prom all the Elements her choiceft ftore To treat thee as befeems, and as her Lord 335 With honour, only deign to fit and eat. He fpake no dream, for as his words had Qnd, Our Saviour lifting up his eyes beheld In ample fpace under the broadeft fhade A Table richly fpiead, in Regal mode, 34® With difties pil'd, and meats of nobleft fort And favour, Beafts of chafe, or Fowl of game. In Paftry-built, or from tl^e fpit, or boil'd, Gris-amber-fteam'd j all Fifh from Sea or Shore, Frelhet, or purling Brook, of fhell or fiii, 345 And exquifiteft name, for which wa^ drain'd Pontus and Lucr'me Bay, and Afric Coaft. Alas how fimple, to thefe Gates compar'd. Was that crude Apple that diverted Eve * i^d at a ftately fide-board by the vv'ine ^ * ? 5® C i That 28 Paradise Regain'd. Bookll. That fragrant fmell difFus'd, in order ftood Tall ftripling youths rich clad, of fairer hue Than Ganymed or H Thefe are not frilits forbidden, no interdict Defends the touching of thefe Viands pure, 370 Their tafte no knowledge works at leaft of evil, But life preferves, deftroys life's enemy. Hunger, with fweet reftorative delight. All thefe are Spirits of Air, and Woods, and Springs, Thy gentle Minifters, who come to pay ^7'i Thee homage, and acknowledge thee their Lord : What doubt'ft thou Son of God J fit down and eat. To whom that Jefus temp'rately reply'd : Saidft thou not that to all things 1 had rioht ? And who with-holds my pow'r that right to ufe ? 380 Shall 1 receive by gift what of my own. When and where likes me beft, I can command ? Bookll. Paradise Regain'd. 29 I can at will, doubt not, as foon as thou. Command a Table in this Wildernefs, And call fwift flights of Angels niiniftrant ^S^ Array'd in Glory on my Cupt'attend : Why fhouldft thou then obtrude this diligence In vain, where no acceptance it can find. And with my hunger what haft thou to do ? Thy pompous Delicacies I contemn, ^50 And count thy fpecious gifts no gifts, but guiles. To whom thus anfwer'd Satan malecontent : That I have alfo pow'r to give thou feeft. If of that pow'r 1 bring thee voluntaiy What I might have beftow'd on whom I pleas'd, 35)5 And rather opportunely in this place Chofe to impart to thy apparent need. Why fhouldft thou not accept it \ but I fee What I can do or offer is fufped j Of thefe things others quickly will difpofe, 40* Whofe pains have earn'd the far fet fpoil. With that Both Table and Provifion yanifh'd quite With found of Harpies wings, and Talons heard i Only th' importune Tempter ftill remain'd. And with thefe words his Temptation purfu'd. 405 By hunger, that each other Creature tames. Thou art not to be harm'd, therefore not mov'd j Thy temperance invincible befldes. For no allurement yields to appetite. And all thy heart is fet on high defigns, 410 High a£lionSj but wherewith to be atchiev'd T Great ads require great means of enterprife j Thou art unknown, unfriended, low of Birth, A Carpenter thy Father kifbwn, thy felf C 5 Bred 30 ParadiseRegain'd. BcokIL Bred up in poverty and ftreights at horaej 41 ^ Loft ill a Def^ii't here and hunger-bit : Which way or from what hope doft thou afoire To greatnefs? whence Authority deriv'ft. What Followers, what Retinue canft thou sain. Or at thy heels the dizzy Multitude, 410 Longer than thou canft feed them on thy coft ? Mony brings Honour, Friends, Conqueft and Realms ^ What rais'd Antipater the Edomite, And his Son Herod plac'd on ]}udu's Throne, (Thy Throne) but gold that got him pui{fant friends ? Therefore, if at great th.ings thou w'ould'ft arrive, 42$ Get Riches firft, get Wealth, and Treafure heap. Not difnculr, if thou hearken to me, P\.iches are mine. Fortune h in my hand ; They whom I favour thrive ia wealth amain, 4JO While Virtue, Valour, Wifdom fit in want. To whom thus Jefus patiently reply'd 5 Yet Wealth without thefe three is impotent To gain dominion, or to keep it gain'd. Witngfs thofe ancient Empires of the Earth, 45 ^ In heighth of all their flowing wealth diflblv'd : But men endu'd with thefe, have oft attain*d In loweft poverty to^higheft deeds j Gideon and Jephtha, and the Shepherd lad, Whofe OfF-ipring on the Throne of ^udah fat 440 So many Ages, and fhall yet regain That feat, and reign in ifrael without end. Among the Heathen, (for throughout the World To me is not unknown what hath been done Worthy Memorial) canft thou not remember 445 ^itiintus, Fahricius, Curium, ^egulus ? for 1 efleem thofe names of men fo poor. Who Bookll. Paradise Regained. 31 Who could do mighty things, and could contemn Riche-s though ofFerM fi'om tiie hand of Kings. And what in me Teems wanting, but that I 450 May alfo in this poverty as foon Accomplifh what they did, perhaps and more } Extol not Riches then, the toyl of Fools,. The wife man's cumbrance, if not fnare, more apt To flacken Virtue, and abate her edge, 4$ ^ Than prompt her to do aught may merit praife,. What if with like averllon I rejeci Riches and P^ealms ; yet not for that a Crown, Golden in fhew, is but a wreatl^of thorns, Erin^s dnnc^ers, troubles, cares, and fleeplefs nights To him who wears the Regal Diadem, 4 With footlvng words renew'd,. him thus accofls. I fee thou know 'ft what fs of ufe to know>. What beft to fay canft fay, to do canft do j. Thy anions to thy words accord, thy words To thy large heart give utterance due j thy heart Contains of good, wife, juft, the perfed fliape. Should Kings and Nations from thy moiuh confulr. Thy Counfel would be as the Oracle Urim and Thummif??, thofe oraculous gemr Cn Aaron's breaft y or tongue of Seers old' Infallible j or vrert thou fought^to deeds- C 5 ro THst 34 Paradise Regain'd. Book III. That might require th' array of war, thy skill Of conduct would be fuch, that all the world Could not fuftain thy Prowefs, or fubfift In battel, though againft thy few inarm?. *0 Thefe God-like Virtues wherefore doft thou hide ? AfFe(fting private life, or more obfcure • In favage Wilderuefs, wherefore deprive . „ All Earth her wonder at thy A£ts, thy felf The fame and glory, glory the reward ^ That fole excites to high attempts, the flame Of moft ereded Spirit?, mod temper'd pure j^.therial, who all pleafures elfe deCpiCe, All treafwes and all gain efbeem as drofs. And dignities and pow'rs all but the higheft ? $0 Thy years are ripe, and over-ripe ; the fon Of Macedonian Philip had ere thefe Won Ajia, and the Throne of Cyrus held At his difpofe, young Scipio had brought down The Carthaginian pride, young Pofnpey quell'd 35 The Pontic King, and in triumph had rode. Yev years, and to ripe years judgment mature. Quench not the thirft of glory, but auomenr. Great Julius, whom now all the world admires. The more he grew in years, the more enflam'd 40 With glory, wept that he had liv'd fo lono- Inglorious : But thou yet art not too late. To whom our Saviour calmly thus replvM. Thou neither doft perfwade me to feek wealth For Empire's fake, nor Empire to affet^ 45 For glory's fake, by all thy argument. For what is glory but the blaze of Fame, The peoples praife, if always praife unmixt ? And what the people but a herd confus'd. BookHI. Paradise Regained. 5f A miTcellaneous rabble, who extol 50 Things vulgar, and well weighed, fcarce worth the praife^. They praiTe and they admire they know not what j And know not whom, but as one lends the other ; And what delight to be by fuch extoll'd. To live upon their tongues and be their talk,. ^- Of whom to be defpis'd were no Tmall praifc ? His lot who dares be fingularly good. Th' intelligent among them and the wife Are few, and glory fcarce of few is rais'd. This is true glory and renown, when God 6^ Looking on th' Earth, with approbation marks The juft man, and divulges him through Heav'n^. To all his Angels, who with true applaufe Recount his praifes ; thus he did to Joh, When to extend his fame through Heav'n and Earth, . As thou to thy reproach may'ft well remember,, C^^ He ask'd thee, haft thou {een. my fervant ^oh ? Famous he was in Heav'n, on Eaith lefs known 5 Where gloi7 is falfe glory, attributed To things not glorious, men not woiihy of fame, . 7©:: They err who count it glorious to fubdue By Conqueft far and wide, to over-run Large Countries, and in field great Battels win, Gieat Cities by aflault ; what do thefe Worthies, But rob and fpoil, burn, flaughter, and enflave jx Penceable Nations, neighboui-ing, or remote. Made Captive, yet defervingfreedon't more Than thofe their Conquerors, who leave bfhind'- 1 Nothing but ruin wherefoe'er they rove, \ And all the fiourifhing works of peace deftroy, Sc"** Then (well with pride, and muft be titled Gods, Great Benefactors of mankind. Deliverers, . Worfhip'd with Temple, Prieft and Sacrifice ; One is the Son of 3*^^^ of ^^^^ ^^ other, . TiH 36 Paradise ReCxAin*d. Booklll. Till Conqu'ror Death difcover them fcarce men, 8< Rolling in brutifh vices, and deform 'd, Violent orftiameful death their due reward. But if there be in "lory au^ht of oood. It may by means far different be attain'd Without ambition, war, or violence j oq By deeds of peace, by wifdom eminent. By patience, temperance j I mention ftill Him whom thy wrongs with Saintly patience born. Made famous in a land and times obfcure ; Who names not now with honour patient Joi?? 5< Voor Socrates (who next more memorable 5) By what he taught and fuffer'd for fo doing. For truth's fake fuftering death unj^uil, lives now Equal in fame to proud eft Conquerors. ^ et if for fame and glory aught be done, 1 00 Aught fuffer'd ; if young African for fame His wafted Country freed from Punic rage, The deed becomes unprais'd, the man at leaft. And iofes, though but verbal, his reward. Shall I feek glory then, as vain Men feek i©$ Oft not deferv'd ? 1 feek not mine, but his Whofent me, and thereby witnefs whence I am. To whom the Tempter mmm'ring thus reply'd. Think not fo flight of glory j therein leaft Refembling thy great Father : he feek s glory, uc And for his glory all things made, all things Orders and governs, not content in Heav'n By all his Angels glorify 'd, requites Glory from men, from all men good or bad. Wife or unwife, no diiference, no exemption j u^ Above all Sacrifice, or hailow'd gift Glory he requires, and glory he receives Paomifcuous from all Nations, Jew, or Greek, Or 3ookIII. Paradise Regain'd. 37 Or Barbarous, nor exception hath declarM j From us his foes pronounc'd glory he exacts. no To whom our Saviour fervently reply*d. And reafon j fince his word all things produc'd, Though chiefly not for glory as prime end. But to fhew fortli his goodnefs, and impart His good communicable t'evVy foul 115 Preely j of whom what could he lefs expe£l Than glory and benedidion, that is thanks. The flighteft, eafieft, readied recompence Prom them who could return him nothing elfe. And not returning w^hat would likelieft render 1 50 Contempt inftead, difhonour obloquy J Hard recompence, unfutable return For fo much good, fo much beneficence. But why (hould man feek glory ? who of his own Hath nothing, and to w4iom nothing belongs i J5 But condemnation, ignominy, and fhame J Who for fo many benefits receiv'd, Turn'd recreant to God, ingrate and falfe. Arid fo of all true good himfelf defpoil'd. Yet, facrilegiou?, to himfelf would take 140 That which to God alone of right belongs 5 Yet fo much bounty is in God, fuch grace. That who advance his glor^', not their own. Them he himfelf to glory will advance. So fpake the Son of God j and here again 145 Satnn had not to anfwer, but ftood ft ruck With guilt of his own fin, for he himfelf lufi liable of glory had loft all, Ycr of another Pica bcihou"ht him foon. Of 38 Paradise Regain'd. Booklll. Ofgloryasthou wilt, fafd he, fo deem, 150 Worth or not worth their feeking, let it pafs : But to a Kingdom thou art born, ordain'd^ To fit upon thy Father David's Throne ; By Mother's fide thy Father ; though thy right Be now in pow'rful hands, that will not part 155 Eafily from pofTeflion won with arms ; ^udda now and all the promisM land. Reduced a Province under Roman yoke. Obeys Tiberius ; nor is always rul'd With temperate fway 5 oft have they violated 160 The Temple, oft the Law with foul affronts. Abominations rather, as did once Antiochus : and think'ft thou to regain Thy right by fitting ftill or thus retiring? So did not Machabeus : he indeed i.^f, Retir'd unto the Defart, but with arms ; And o'er a mighty King fo oft prevail'd That by ftrong hand his Family obtain 'd, Tho Priefts, the Crown, and David's Throne ufurpM,. With Modin and her fuburbs once content. 170 If Kingdom move thee not, let move thee Zeal And Duty 5 Zeal and Duty are not flow ; But on Occafion's forelock watchful wait. They themfelves rather are occafion beft. Zeal of thy Father's houfe. Duty to free 175 Thy Country from her Heathen fervitude ; So fhaltthoubeft fulfil, befl verifie The Prophets old, who fung thy endlefs reign. The happier reign the fooner it begins, Rei^n then : what canfl thou better do the while 5 1 80 To whom our Saviour anfwer thus return'd. All things are beft fulfiU'd in. their due time. And Booklll. Paradise Regain'd. 39 And time there is for all things. Truth hath faid : If of my reign prophetic Writ hath told. That it lliall never end, fo when begin 185 The Father in his purpofe hath decree 105 For where no hope is left, is left no fear ; If there be worfe, the expectation more Of worfe torments me than the feeling can. I would be at the worft 5 worft is my Port, My harbour and my ultimate repofe, ildL- The end I would attain, my final good. My error was my error, and my crime My crime j whatever for it felf cond-emn'd. And will alike be punifh*d ; whether thou Reign or reign not ; though to that gentle brow 21 5' Willingly I could flie, and hope thy reign, FfoiJj 40 Paradise Regain'd. Booklll. From that placid afped and meek regard. Rather than aggravate my evil ftate. Would ftand between me and thy Father's ire, ( Whofe ire I dread more than the Fire of Hell) zzo A flielter and a kind of fhading cool Interpofition, as a fummer's cloud. If I then to the worft that can be hafte. Why move thy feet fo flow to what is befl:, Happieft both to thy felf and all the world, 225, That thou who worthieft art fhould'ft be their King I Perhaps thou lingreft in deep thoughts detain'd Of th'enterprize fo hazardous and high j No wonder, for though in thee be united What of perfection can in man be found, 2 jO Or human nature can receive, confider. Thy life hath yet been private, moft part /pent At home, fcarce view'd the Galilean Towns,. And once a year ^erufalem, few days 234 Shon fojourn j and what thence coufd'ft thou obferve J The world thou haft not feen, much lefs her glory. Empires, and Monarch?, nnd their radiant Courts, Beft fchool of beft experience, quickeft in fight In all things that to greateft Adions Tead. The wlfeft, unexperienced, will be ever ^o Tim'rous and loth, with novice modefty, (As he v^ho feeklng Alfes found a Kingdom) Irrefolute, unhardy, unadventrous : But I will bring thee where thou foon fhalt quit Thofe rudiments, and fee before thine eyes 245 The Monarchies of th'Eartli, their pomp and ftate. Sufficient introduction to inform Thee, of thy felf fo apt,, in regal Art-s And regal Myfterie?, that thou may'ft know* How beil :heii oppofliivii to withftand. 2,50 W«h BookllL Paradise Regained. 4f With that (fuch pow'r was giv'n him then) he took The Son of God up to a Mountain high. It was a Mountain at whofe verdant feet A fpacious plain out-ftretch'd in circuit wide Lay pleafant -, from his fide two rivers flow'd, 155 Th' one winding, th' other ftraight, and left between Fair Champain with lefs rivers intervein'd, Then meeting join'd their Tribute to the Sea, Fertil of corn the glebe, of oyl and wine, 1^9 With herds the paftures throng'd, with flocks the hills j Huge Cities and high towr'd, that well might feeqj The feats of mightleft Monarchs, and (b large The Profpecl was, that here and there was room For barren defart fountainlefs and dry. To this high mountain top the Tempter brought 1^5 Our Saviour, and new train of words began. Well have we fpeeded, and o'er hill and dale, Foreft and field, and flood, temples and towVs Cut fhorter many a league; h^re thou behold ^11 jiJfyrU and her Empire's ancient bounds,^ ^7* Araxes and the Caffian lake, thence-on As for as Indus Eaft, Euphrates Wefl:, And oft beyond j to South the perjian Bay, And inacceflible th*Arahian drOuth : Here Nifiezee, of length within her wall 17 5 Sev'ral days journey, built by Ninus old. Of that fird golden Monarchy the feat. And feat of Salmanajfar, whofe fuccefs Ifrael in long captivity ftlll mourns j There Babylon the wonder of all tongues, a8» As ancient, but rebuilt by him who twice Judah and all thy Father David's houfe Led captive, and \}erufak77} laid wafte. Till 42 Par>^dise Regain^. Book III. Till Cyrus fet them free ; Perfepolis Hrs City there thou feefl:, and Ba^ra there j 185 Ecbatana her ftrudure vafl: there fhews. And Hecatompylos her hundred gates, ThtvcStifa bvChoafpes, nmber ftream. The drink of none but Kings ; of later fame Built by Emathian, or by Parthian hands, 1 9© The great Seley,cia, Nicibis, and there jirtaxatay Teredon^ Tejiphon, Turning wirheafle eye thou mayfl: behold. All thefe the Parthian, now fome Ages paft. By great ^r/5^afli'd by the Southern Sea, and on the North To equal length back'd with a ridge of hills That fcreen'd the fruits of th* earth and feats of men From cold Septentrion blafts, thence in the midft 3 1 Divided by a river, of whofe banks On each fide an Imperial City ftood, With Tow'rsand Temples proudly elevate On (e.v\\ fmall Hills, with Palaces adorn'd, 3^ Porches and Theatres, Baths, Aqueduds, Statues and Trophies, and Triumphal Arcs, Gardens and Groves prefented to his eyes. Above the heighth of Mountains interpos'd. By what ftrange Parallax or Optick skill 40 Of vifion mukiply'd through Air, or Glafs Of Telefcope, were cuiious to enquire : And nov/ the Tempter thus his filence brokct The City which thou feeft no other deem Than great and glorious R Tetrarchs of fire, air, flood, and on the earth Nations befides from all the quartered winds, God of this world invok'd and world beneath ; Who then thou art whofe coming is foretold To me fo fatal, me it moft concerns, ' i ^ r The trial hath endamaged thee no way. Rather more honour left and more efteem ^ Me naught advantag'd, milling what I aim'd. Therefore let pafs, as they are tranfitory. The Kingdoms of this world J 1 fhall no more i*^ Advife thee, gain them as thou canft, or not. And thou thy felf feem'll otherwife inc'in'd Than to a worldly Crown, addifted more To contemplation and profound difpute. As by that early adion may be judg'd, 21 S When flipping from thy Mother's eye thou went*ft Alone into the Temple, there was found Among the graveft Rabbles difputant On points and queftions fitting Afofes* Chair, Teaching not taught j the childhood fhews the man. As morning fhews the day. Be famous then 2,il By wifdom ; as thy Empire muft extend. So let extend thy mind o'er all the world. In knowledge, all things in it comprehend : D 5 Ali 54 ParadiseRegain'd. BooklV. Ali knowledge is not couch'd in Mefes' Law, 215 The Pentateuchy or what the Prophets wrote. The Gentiles alfo know, and write, and teach To admiration, led by Nature's light j And with the Gentiles much thou muft converfe. Ruling them by perfuafion as thou mean'ft 5 230 Without their learning how wilt thou with them. Or they with thee hold converfation meet ? How wilt thou reafon with them, how refute Their Idolifms, Traditions, Paradoxes \ Error by his own arms is beft evinc'd. 2, 3 5 Look once more ere we leave this fpecular Mount Weftward, much nearer by South-Weft, behold Where on th' JEgian fhore a City ftands Built nobly, pure the air, and light the foi), Athens the eye o'i Greece, Mother of Arts 240 And Eloquence, native to famous wits Or hofpitable, in her fweet recefs. City or Suburban, ftudious walks and fbades 5 See tliere the Olive Grove of Academe^ P/ 455 Or to the Earth's dark bafls underneath. Are to the main as inconfiderable. And harmlefs, if not wholfom, as a fneeze To man's lefs univerfe, and foon are gone j Yet as being oft times noxious where they light 4 brought Joylefs Triumphals of his hop'd fuccefs. Ruin, and defperation, and di^iay, Whodurftfo proudly tempt the Son of God. 5^0 5o Satan fell j and firait a fiery Globe Of Angels on full fail of wing flew nigh. Who on their plumy Vans receiv'd him foft Trom his uneafie ftation, and upbore As on a floating couch through the blithe Ait, 585 Then in a flow'ry valley fet him down On a green bank, and fetbefoie him fpred A table of Celeftial Food, Divine, Ambrofial fruits, fetcht from the Tree of Life, And from the tbwnt of Life Ambrofial drink, ^90 Thatfoon refredi'd him vveary'd, and repair'd What hunger, if aught Iiungcr had impnli'd, Orthirft: and as he fed, AngtlicQuiies Sung Heav'nly Anthems of his vidory Over temptation, and the Tempter proud. $95 True Image of the Father whether thron'd In the bofom of blifs, and light of ITght Conceiving, or remote from Heav'n, enfmin^d In BooklV. Paradise Regained. 55 In flefhiy Tabernacle, and human form. Wand 'ring the Wildernefs, whatever place, ^oo Habit or flate, or motion, dill expreding The Son of God, whh God-like force indu'd Againft th* Attempter of thy Father's Throne, And Thief of Paradifc j him long of old Thou didll debel, and down from Heaven caft ^05 With all his Army, now thou haft aveng'd Supplanted Adafn, and by vanquilhing Temptation, hath regain'd loft Paradife ; And fruftrated the conqueft fraudulent : He never more henceforth will dare fet foot i\0 In Paradife to tempt ; his fnares are broke : For though that feat of earthly blifs be faird, A fairer Paradife is founded now for Adam and his chofen Sons, whom thou A Saviour art come down to re-inftal €1^ Where they (hall dwell fecure, when time fhall be. Of Tempter and Temptation without fear. But thou. Infernal Serpent, (halt not long Rule in the Clouds j like an Autumnal Star Or Lightning thou fhalt fall from Heav'n trod down Under his feet : for proof, ere this thou feel'ft 6ll Thy wound, yet not thy laft and deadlieft wound By this repulfe receiv'd, and hold'ft in Hell No triumph J in all her Gates Abaddon rues Thy bold attempt i hereafter learn with aw ^i5 To dread the Son of God : he all unarm'd Shall chafe thee with the terror of his voice From thy Demoniac holds, pofFeftion foul. Thee and thy Legions, yelling they fhall fly, And beg to hide them in a herd of Swine, ^50 Left he command them down into the deep Bound, and to torment fent before their time. Hail Son of the moft High, heir of both Worlds, Q^kidlcr 66 PARi^DiSE Regain'd. Book IV/ Qaeller of Satan, on thy glorious work Now enter, and begin to fave mankind. ^35 Thus they the Son of God our Saviour meek Sung Vidor, and from Heav'nly Feaft refrefht Brought on his way with joy j he unobferv'd Home to his Mother's houfe frivarereturn'd. THE E N "D. CnO ^Jfe«^Jiod&JioJ!v^«^ife^Ji-^3c^«^^5oJfeJ& Samfon Agonifles^ A Dramatick Poem. The A U T H O R JOHN MILTON, Ariflot. Poet. Cap. 6. Traga:dia eft imitatio adionis fenae, Of that fort ofl^ramatick Toem 'H'hkh is call'd Tragedy, RAGEDY, as it was anciently compos'd, hath been ever held the graveft, moralleft, and moft profita- ble of all other Poems: therefore faid by Arijiotlc to be of power, by raifing pity and fear, or terror, to purge the mind of thofe and fuch like pailions, that is, to temper and reduce them to juft meafure with a kind of delight, ftirr'd up by reading or feeing tho^e Paflions well imitated. Nor is Nature wanting in her own effecls to make good his alTertion : for fo in Phyfick things of melan- cholick hue and quality are us'd againil: melan- choly, fowr againil: fowr, fait to remove fait humours. Hence Philofophcrs and other graveil Writers, as Cicero^ Plutarch and others, fre- quently cite out of Tragick Poets, both to a- dorn and illullrate their difcourfe. The Apo- ftle St. ^Vanl himfelf thought it not unworthy to infert a verfe of Euripides into the Text of Holy Scripture, i Cor. 15. 35. and^jP^r^//i com- menting Oil the Revelatiou^ divides the whole Book as a Tragedy, into Acts diilinguifh'd each by a Cnorus of Heavenly Harpings, and Song between. 70 OfT)ramatick Tragedy, &c. between. Heretofore Men in higheft dignity have labour'd not a little to be thought able to compofe a Tragedy. Of that honour Tiionyjitis the elder was no lefs ambitious, than before of his attaining to the Tyranny. Augtijlus C^^/'s foes, who with a ftrength ^Equivalent to Angels walk'd their ftreets. None offering fight ; who fingle combatant Duell'd their Armies rank'd \x\ proud array, 545 Himfelf an Army, now unequal match To fave himfelf asiainft a coward arm'd At one fpear's length. O ever-failing truft In mortal ftrength I and oh what not in man Deceivable and vain ? Nay, what thing good 350 Pray'd S6 SAMSON JGONISTES. Pray*d for, but often proves our woe, our bane ? 1 prayM for Children, and thought barrennefs In wedlock a reproach ; I gain'd a Son, Such a Son as all men hail'd me happy j Who would be now a Pather in my ftead > 3^ 5 O wherfifore did God grant me my requeft. And as ablefling with fuch pomp adorn 'd ? Why are his gifts defirable, to tempt Our earneft Pray'rs, then giv'n with folemn hand As Graces, draw a Scorpion's tail behind ? 3-^0 Tor this did th' Angel twice defcend ? for this Ordain'd thy nurture holy, as of a Plant j Seleft and Sacred, Glorious for a while. The miracle of men j then in an hour Enfnar'd, aflauhed, overcome, led bound, ^^5 Thy Poes derifion. Captive, Poor and Blind, Into a Dungeon thruft, to work with Slaves > Alas methinks whom God hath chofen once To worthieft deeds, if he through frailty err. He fhould not fo o'erwhelm, and as a thrall 3 70 Subjeft him to fo foul indignities. Be it for honoui's fake of former deeds. Samf. Appoint not heav'nly difpofition. Father, Nothing of all thefe evils hath befall'n me Eut juftly ; I my felf have brought them on, 37^ Sole Author, I, fole caufe : if ought feem vile. As vile hath been my folly, who have profan'd The myftery of God giv'n me under pledge Of vow, and have betray'd it to a woman, A Canaan'itey my faithlefs enemy : 3 2o This well I knew, nor was at all furpriz'd But warn'd by oft experience ; did not fhe Of Tlmna firft betray me, and reveal The fecret wrefted from me in lier height Of SAMSON JGONISTES. 87 Of Nuptial love profeft, carr)'ing it ftreight 385 To them who had corrupted her, my Spies, And Rivals ? In this other was there found More Faith ? whoalfo in her prime of love, Spoufal embraces, vitiated with Gold, Though ofFer'd only, by the fcent conceiv'd ^50 Her fpurious firft-born, Treafon againft me ? Thrice Gie alTay'd with flatt'ring pray'rs and %hs. And amorous reproaches to win from me My capital fecrer, in what part my ftrength Lay ftor'd, in what part fumm'd, that fhe might know : Thrice J deluded her, and turn'd to fport 3^^ Her importunity, each time perceiving How openly, and with what impudence She purpoj'd to betray me, and (which was worfe Than undiffembled hate) with what contempt 400 She thought to make me Traitor, to my felf j Yet the fourth time, when muftring all her wiles. With blandifht parleys, feminine afTaults, Tongue-batteries, fhe furceas'd not day nor night To ftorm me over-watch'd, and weary'd out, 405 At times when men feek moft repofe and reft, I yielded, and unlock'd her all my heart. Who with a 2rain of manhood well refolv'd Might eafily have fhook off all her fnares : But foul effeminacy held me yok'd 410 Her bond-flave ; O indignity, O blot To Honour and Religion ! fervile mind Rewarded well with fervile pimifhment ! The bafe decree to which I now am fall'n. Thefe rags, this grinding, is not yet fo bafe 415 As was my former fervitude, ignoble, Unmanly, ignominious, infamous. True flavery, and that blindnefs worfe than this. That law not how degen'rately 1 fery'd. 88 SJMSON^GONISTES. Man. I cannot praife thy Marriage choices. Son, 41 1 Rather approv'd them not j but thou didft plead Divine impulfion prompting how thou might'ft- Find fome occafion to infeft our Foes. I flate not that 5 this I am fure, our Foes Found foon occa/ion thereby to make thee^ 42^ Their Captive, and their Triumph 5 thou the fooner Temptation found'il:, or over-potent charms To violate the facred truft of filence Depofited within thee 5 which to have kept Tacit, was in thy pow'r : true j and thou bear'fl: 430 Enough, and more the burthen of that fault j Bitterly haft thou paid, and ftill art paying That rigid fcore. A worfe thing yet remains, This day the Philifi'ms a pop'lar f eaft Here celebrate in Gaza ^ and proclaim 4 j ^ Great Pomp and Sacrifice,- and Praifes loud To Dagon, as their God who hath deliver'd. Thee, Samfon,. bound and blind into their hands. Them out of thine, who flew'ft them many aflain. So Bagon fhall be magnify'd, and God, 440 Befides whom is no God, conipar'd with Idols, Difglorify'd, blafphem'd, and had in fcorn By the Idolatrous rout amidft their wine ; Which to have come to pafsby means of thee, Samfon, of all thy fufferlngs think the heavieft, 44 $" Of all reproach the moft with fhame that ever Could have befaH'n thee and thy Father's houfe. Samf. Father, I do acknowledge and confefs That 1 this honour, 1 this pomp have brought To Dagon, and advanc'd his praifes high 450 Among the Heathen round j to God have brought Dif- SJMSON JGONISTES. 89 DIfhonour, obloquy, and op'd the mouths Of Idolifts, and Atheifts , have brought fcandal To ifrael, diffidence of God, and doubt In feeble hearts, propenfe enough before 455 To waver, or fall ofT and join with Idols ; Which is my chief affliftion, fliame and forrow,. The anguifh of my Soul, that fufFers not IMine eye to harbour fleep, or thoughts to reft. This only hope relieves me, that the ftrife 4*10 With me hath end ; all the conieft is now 'Twixt God and Dagcn 5 Dago7i hath prefum'd. Me overthrown, to enter lifts with God, His Deity comparing and preferring Before the God of Abraham. He, be fure, 4^>5 Will not connive, or linger, thus provok'd. But will arife and his great name aftert : Bagon muft ftoop^ and fhall ere long receive Such a difcomftr, as ftiall quite defpoil him Of all thefe boafted Trophies won on me, 470 And with confufion blank his Worftiippei'S. Man, With caufe this hope relieves thee, an4 thefe I as a Prophecy receive 5 for God, [words Nothing more certain, will not long defer To vindicate the glory of his Name 475 Againft all competition, nor will long Endure it, doubtful whether God be Lord, Or Dagon. But for thee what fliall be done > Thou muft not in the mean while here forgot Lye in this miferable loathfom plight 4^® Negleded. I already have made way To fome Ph'iUJiian Lords with Whom to treat About thy ranfom : w'ell they may by this Have fatisfy'd their utmoft of revenge Bt 5)o SJMSON AGONISTES. By pains and flav'ries, worfe than death, inflifted On thee who now no more canft do them harm. 48^ Samf. Spare that propofal. Father, fpare the trouble Of that follicitation j let me here. As I deferve, pay on my punifhment j And expiate, ifpofiible, my crime, 450 Shameful garrulity. Tohavereveal'd Secrets of men, the fecrets of a friend. How heinous had the fad been, how deferving Contempt and fcorn of all, to be excluded All friend fhip, and avoided as a blab, 455 The mark of fool fet on his front ? But I God's counfel have not kept, his holy fecret Prefumptuoufly have publifh'd, impioufly. Weakly at leaft, and fhamefully : A Sin That Gentiles m their Parables corxdemn 50O To their abyfs and horrid pains confin'd. Man. Be penitent and for thy fault contrite. But ad not in thy own afflidion. Son j Repent the fin, but if the punifhment Thou canft avoid, felf-pre'ervation bids j 505 Or th* execution leave to high difpofal. And let another hand, not thine, exad Thy penal forfeit from thy felf : perhaps God will relent, and quit thee all his debt j Who ever more approves and more accepts 510 (Beft pleas'd with humble and filial fubmifllon) liim who imploring mercy fues for life. Than who felf-rigorous chufes death as due j Which argues over-juft, and felf-difpleas'd For felf-offence, more than for God offended. 515 Rejed not then what ofFer'd means, who knows But God hath fet before us, to return thee Home SJMSONAGONISTES. 91 Home to thy counti-y and his Sacred houfe. Where thou may 'ft bring .thy off'rings, to avert His farther ire, with pray 'rs and vows renew'd ? 520 Samf. His pardon I implore ; but as for life. To what end ftiould I feek it t when in ftrength All mortals I excell'd, and great in hopes With youthful courage and magnanimous thoughts Of birth from Heav'n foretold and high exploits, 5-5 Full of divine inftind, after fome proof Of Ads indeed heroick, far beyond The Sons of Anack, famous now and blaz'd, Fearlefs of danger, like a petty God I walk'd about admir'd of all and dreaded 5 5® On hoftile ground, none daring my affront. Then fvvoH'n with pride into the fnare I fell Of fair fallacious looks, venereal trains, Soften'd with pleafure and voluptuous life ; At length to lay my head and hollow pledge 55^ Of all my ftrength in the lafcivrous lap Of a deceitful Concubine, who (hore me Like a tame Weither, all my precious fleece. Then turn'd me out ridiculous, defpoil'd, Shav'n and difarm'd among mine enemies. 54^ Chor. Defire of wine and all delicious drinks Which many a famous warrior overturns. Thou couldft reprefs, nor did the dancing Ruby Spavkling, out-pour'd, the flavour or the fmell. Or talle that cheers the hearts of Gods or Men, 54$ AliUre thee from the cool Cryftalline fl:ream. Samf. Where-ever fountain or fi-efh current flowM Againfl the Eafl:ern ray, tranflucent, pure. With touch aetberial of Heav'ns fiery rod. 1 pi SAMSON JGONISTES. I drank, from the clear milky juice allaying 5^0 Thirft, and refrefnt 5 nor envy'd them the grape Whofa heads that turbulent liquor fills with fumes. Chor, O madnefs, to think ufe of flrongeft wines And ftrongeft drinks our chief fupport of health. When God with thefe forbidd'n made choice to rear His mighty Champion, ftrong above conjpare, 5 $^ Whofe drink was only from the liquid brook. Samf. But what avail'd this temp'rance, not compleat Againft another objeft more enticing ? What boots it at one gate to make defence, 5^0 And at another to let in the Eoe Effeminately vanquifh'd ? by which means. Now blind, difheartn'd, iliam'd, difhonourM, quell'd,. To what can I be ufeful, wherein ferve My Nation, and the work from Heaven imposM, ^^f But to fit idle on the HouQiold hearth, A burd'nous drone ; to vifitants a gaze. Or pity'd objed, thefe redundant locks Robuftious to no purpofe cluftring down. Vain monument of ftrength j till length of years $7* And fedentary numnefs craze my limbs To a contemptible old Age obfcure. Here rather let me drudge and earn my bread. Till vermin or the draff of fervile food Confume me, and oft invocated death . 57$ Haftenthe welcome end of all my pains. Man. Wilt thou then ferve Philiftians with that gift Which wasexprefly giv'n thee to annoy them > Beter at home lye bed-rid, not only idle, Inglorious, unimploy'd, with age out-worn. 580 But God who caus'd a Fountain at thy pray'r From SJMSONAGONISTES. pj From the dry ground to fpring, thy thii-ft t'allay After the brunt of Battel, can as ea^e Caufe light again within thy eyes to fpring. Wherewith to ferve him better than thou haft j 585 And I perfuade me (o-^ why elfe this ftrength Mirac'lous yet remaining in thofe locks ? His might continues in thee not for naught, Kor fliall his wondrous gifts be fiaiftrate thus. Sdmf, All otherwife to me my thoughts portend, 5 90 That thefe dark Orbs no more (hall treat with h'ght. Nor th* other light of life continue long. But yield to double darknefs nish at hand : So much I feel my genial Spirits droop. My hopes all flat. Nature within me feems 555 In all her funftions weary of her feJf i My race of Glory run, and race of Shame, And I Ihall (liortly be with them that reft. Man. Believe not thefe fuggeftions, which proceed Prom anguiQi of the mind and humours black, ^oa That mingle with thy fancy. I however Muft not omit a Father's timely care To profecute the means of thydeliverance By ranfom, or how elfe : mean while be calm. And healing words from thefe thy friends admit. 605 Samf. O that torment fliould not be confin'd To the body's wounds and fores. With maladies innumerable In heart, head, breaft and reins ; But muft fecret paftage find ^k^ To th' inmoft mind, Thefe exercife all his fierce accidents. And on her pureft fpirits prey. As P4 SAMSON AGONIST ES. As on entrails, joints and limbs With anfwerable pains, but more intenfe. Though void of corporal fenfe. My griefs not only pain me As a lingring difeafe. But finding no redrefs, ferment and rage. Nor lefs than wounds immedicable ^lO Rankle, and fefter, and gangreen. To black mortification. Thoughts my Tormenters arm'd with deadly flings Mangle my apprehenfive tenderefl paits, Exafperate, exulcerate, and raife ^i^ Dire inflammation, which no cooling herb Or medicinal liquor can aflvvage. Nor breath of vernal Air from fnowy Alp, Sleep hath forfook and giv'n me o*er To death's benumming Opium as my only cure, ^^o Thence faintings, fvvoonings of defpair. And fenfe of Heav'ns defertion. I was his nurfling once, and choice delight, Hi5 deftin'd from the womb, Promis'd by Heav'nly melTage twice defcendlng. ^^5 Under his fpecial eye Abftemious I grew up and thriv'd amain j He led me on to mightiefl deeds Above the nerve of mortal arm Againfl the uncircumcis'd, our enemies: ^40 But now hath caft me off as never known. And to thofe cruel enemies, Whom I by his appointment had provok'd, Left me all helplefs with th' irreparable lofs Of fight, referv'd alive to be repeated ^45 The fubjeft of their cruelty or fcorn. i Nor SJMSON AGONISTES. pj Nor am I in the lift of them that hope ; Hopelefs are all my evils, all remedilefsj This one Prayer yet remains, might I be heard. No long petition, fpeedy death, ^50 The clofe of all my miferies, and the balm. Chor. Many are the Sayings of the Wife In ancient and in modern books enroU'd, Extolling Patience as the trueft fortitude j And to the bearing well of all calamities, ^55 All chances incident to man's frail life : Confolatories writ With ftudy'd argument, and much perfuafion fought. Lenient of grief and anxious thought. But to th' afflided in his pangs their found ^^0 Little prevails,, or rather feems a tune, Harfh, and of dinbnant mood from his complaint, *» Unlefs he feel within Some fource of confolation from above. Secret refrefhings that repair his ftrength, 6^5 And fainting fpirits uphold. God of our Fathers, what is man ! That thou towards him with hand fo various. Or might I fay contra rio us, Teiiper'ft thy providence through his fliort courfe, ^7© Not ev'nly, as thou rul'ft Th* Angelick orders and inferior creatures mute. Irrational and brute. Nor do I name of men the common rout. That wandring loofe about, ^7$ Grow up and perifh, as the fummer flie. Heads without name no more remembred. But fuch as thou haft folemnly eleded. With gifts and graces eminently adorn*d. To 96 SAMSON AGONISTES. To fome great work, thy glory, ^8® And peoples fafety, which in part they efFe£t : Yet toward thefe thus dignify 'd, thou oft Amidft their height of noon. Changed thy countenance, and thy hand with no regard Of higheft favours paft 6^<^ Irom thee on them, or them to thee of fei-ylce. Nor only doft degrade them, or remit To life obfcur'd, which were a fair difmiflion, ^ut tlirow'ft them lower than thou didft exalt them high, Unfeemly falls in human eye, 690 Too grievous for the trefpafs or omifllon. Oft leav'ft them to the hoftile fword Of heathen and prophane, their carcafles To dogs and fowls a prey, or elfe captiv'd : Or to th*unjuft tribunals, under change of times, ^5 ^ And condemnation of th' ingrateful multitude. If thefe they 'fcape, perhaps in poverty With (icknefs and difeafe thou bow'il them down. Painful difeafes and deform'd, . In crude old age : 703 Though not difordinate, yet caufelefs fufF'ring The puniQiment of diiTolute days, m fine, ' Juft or unjuft, alike feem miferable, for oft alike, both come to evil end. So deal not with this once thy glorious Champion, The Image of thy ftrength and mighty Minifter. 70<> What do I beg ? how haft thou dealt already 5 Behold him in his ftate calamitous, and turn His labours, for thou canft, to peaceful end. But who is this, what thing of Sea or Land ? 710 Female of fex it feems. That SAMSON AGONISTES. 97 That fo bedeckt, ornate, and gay. Comes this way failing Like a ftately Ship Of Tarfus, Ijound for th' Ifles 7 1 ^ Of Javan or Gadier, With all her bravery on, and tackle trim. Sails fiU'd, and ftreamers waving, Courted by'all the winds that hold them play. An Amber fcent of odorous perfume 720 Her harbinger, a dnmfel train behind ; Some rich Phtllftian Matron (he may feem. And now at nearer view, no other certain Than BaliU thy Wife. 7 74 Satnf. My Wife,my Tray t'refs,let her not come near me. Chor. Yet on (he moves,now (lands and eyes thee fix'd. About t'havefpoke, but now, with head declin'd. Like a fair flow'r furcharg'd with dew, fhe weeps. And words addrefs'd feem tears dilTolv'd, Wetting the borders of her filk'n veil : .730 But now again fhe makes addrefs to fpeak. BaL With doubtful feet and waverini^ refolution I came, ftill dreading thy difpleafure, Samfm, Which to have merited, without excufe, I cannot but acknowledge j yet if tears^ 7^5 May expiate (though the fa6l more evil drew In the perverfe event that I forefaw) My penance hath not flacken'd, though my pardon No way aflUr'd. But conjugal afFedion Prevailing over fear, and timorous doubt 740 Hath led me on defirous to behold Once more thy face, and know of thy eftate. If aught in my ability may fcrve To light'n what thou fuffer'ft, and appeafe F Thy 98 SAMSON AGONISTES. Thy mind with what amends is in my powV, 745 Though late, yet in forae part to recompenfe My rafh, but more unfortunate mifdeed. Samf. Out, out Hy&na \ thefe are thy wonted arts. And arts of ev'ry woman falfelike thee. To break all faith, all vows, deceive, betray, 7^0 Then as repentant to fubmit, befeech. And reconcilement move with fei^n'd remorfe, Confefs, and promife wonders in her change. Not truly penitent, but chief to try. Her Husband, how far urg'd his patiSnce bears, 75 5 His virtue or weaknefs which way to afTail : Then with more cautious and inftrufted skill Again tranfgreffer, and again fubmits j That wifeft and bed men full oft beguil'd. With goodnefs principl'd not to rejecl 7^0 The penitent, but ever to forgive. Are drawn to wear out miferable-days, Entangl'd with a pois'nous bofom fnnke. If not by quick deftruftion foon cut off. As I by thee, to Ages an example. 7^5 'Dal. Yet hear me, Samfon ; not that I endeavour To leflen or extenuate my offence. But that on th' other fide if it be weigh'd Ey it felf, with aggravations not furcharg'd. Or elfe with juft allowance counterpois'd, 770 I may, if poflible, thy pardon find The enfier towards me, or thy hatred lefs. Pirfl: granting, as I do, it was a weaknefs In me, but incident to all our fex, Curiofity, inquifitive, importune 77$ Of fecrets, then with like infirmity To publifh them, both common female faults : Was SAMSON AGONISTES. p^ Was it not weaknefs alfo to make known For importunity, that is, for naught. Wherein confided all thyftrength and fafety ? 780 To what I did thou fhew'dft me firft the way. But I to enemies reveal'd, and fhould not j Nor fhould'ft thou have trufted that to woman's frailty : Ere I to thee, thou to thy felf waft cruel. Let weaknefs then with weaknefs come to pari, 785 So near related, or the fame of kind. Thine forgive mine ; that men may cenfui'e thine The gentler, if feverely thou exad not More ftrength from me, than in thy felf was found. And what if Love, which thou interpret'^: hate, 7^ The jealoufle of Love, powerful of fway. In human hearts, not lefs in mine tow'rds thee, Caus'd what I did ? I faw thee mutable Of fancy, fear*d left one day thou wou'dft leave me As her at Timna^ fought by all means therefore 75^ How to endear, and hold thee tomefirmeft : No better way 1 faw than by importuning To learn thy fecrets, get into my pow'r Thy key of ftrength and fafety : thou wilt fiy. Why then reveal'd ? I was aifur'd by thofe 8oo Who tempted me, that nothing was delign'd Againft thee but fafe cuftody, and hold : That made for me, I knew that liberty Would draw thee forth to perilous enterprifes. While I at home fate full of cares and fears, 805 Wailing thy abfence in my widow'd bed ; Here I fhould ftill enjoy thee day and ni^ht Mine and Love's pris'ner, not the Ph'ilijlhis, Whole to my felf, unhazarded abroad, Fearlefs at home of partners in my love. gio Thefe reafons in Love's law have paft for good^ Though fond and reafonlefs to fome peih^psj f i And loo SJMSON JGONISTES. And Love hath oft, well meaning, wrought much wo. Yet always pity or pardon hath obtain'd : Be not unhke all others, not auftere 8i ^ As thou art ftrong, inflexible as fteel. If thou in ftrength all mortals doft exceed, In uncompaflionate anger do not {o. Samf. H-ow cunningly the Sorcerefs difplays {ler own tranfgrefrions, to upbraid me mine ? Szq That malice not repentance brought thee hither. By this appears: I gave, thou fay'lT:, th* example j 1 led the way, bitter reproach, but true, 1 to my felf was falfe ere thou to me : Such pardon therefore as I give my folly, 825 Take to thy wicked deeds, which when thou feefl: Impartial, felf-fevere, inexorable. Thou wilt renounce thy feeking, and much rather Confefsit fei^ri'd, weaknefs is thy excufe. And 1 believe it, weaknefs to refift 839 phUiJiian gold : if weaknefs may excufe. What Murtherer, what Traitor, Parricide, Inceftuous, Sacrilegious, but may plead it ? All wickednefs is weaknefs : that plea therefore ^'ith God or Man will gain thee no remiflion. 835 But Love conftrain'd thee ; call it furious rage To fatisfie thy luft : Love feeks to have Love j Mv love how couMft thou hope, who took'il the way To raife in me inexpiable hate. Knowing, as needs I muft, by thee betray'd * 840 In vain thouftriv'ft to cover fhame with Oiame, For by evafions thy crime uncover'ftmore. Dal. Since thou determin'ft weaknefs for no plea In man or woman, though to thy own condemning. Hear what alia ults I had, what fnaies befides, 845 What SAMSON JGONISTES. loi What fieges giit me round, ere I confented j Which might have aw'd the beft refolv'd of Men, The cojiftanteft, to have yielded without blame. It was not Gold^ as to my charge thou lay'ft. That wrought with me : thou know'ft the Magiftrates And Princes of my Country came in perfon> 851 Solicited, commanded, threatn'd, urg'd, Adjur'd by all the bonds of civil Duty And of Religion, prefs'd how juft it was How honourable, how glorious to entrap ^5.^ A common enemy:, who had deftroy'd Such Numbers of our Nation 1 and the Pried Was not behind, but ever at my ear. Preaching how meritorious with the Gods- It would be to enfnare an irreligious 80 o Difhonourer of Dagon : what had I T'oppofe againft fuch pow'rful Arguments J Only my love of thee held long debate ; And combated in filence all their reafons With hard conteft : at length that grounded maxim. So rife and celebrated in the mouths S6S Of wifeft men j that to the publick good Private refpeds muft yield j with grave authority- Took full pdiTeflionof me, and prevail'd j Virtue, as I thought, truth, duty fo enjoining.. 870 Samf. I thought where all thy circling wiles would end 5 In feign'd Religion, fmooth hypocrifie. But had thy love, ftill odioufly pretended. Been, as it ought, fincere, it wou'd have taught thee Far other reafonings, brought forth other deeds. 87^ 1 before all the daughters of my Tribe And of my Nation chofe thee fi-om among My enemies, lov'd thee, as too well thou knew'ft. Too well, unbofom'd all my fecrets to thee, F I Not: 102 SJMSONJGONISTES. Not out of levity, but over-powr'd S8o By thy requeft, who could deny thee nothing ; Yet now am judg'd an enemy. Why then I>idft thou at firft receive me for thy Husband ? Then, as fince then, thy country's foe profeft : Being once a Wife, for me thou waft to leave 88< Parents and country j nor was I their fubjeft, Kor under their protefllon but my own ; Thou mine, not theirs : if aught againft my life Thy Country fought of thee, it fought unjuftly. Againft the law of nature, law of nations, 85JO No more thy Country, but an impious crew Of men confpiring to uphold their ftate By worfe than hoftile deeds, violating the ends For which our Countr)'^ is a name fo dearj Not therefore to be obey'd. But zeal mov'd thee : 895 To pleafe thy Gods thou didft it j Gods unable T* acquit themfelves and profecute their Foes But by ungodly deeds, the contradidion, Of their own Deity, Gods they cannot be j Lefs therefore to be pleas'd, obey'd or fear*d. ^qo Thefe falfe pretexts andvamifh'd colours failing. Bare in thy gu'lf. how foul muft thou appear ? Dal. In argument w^ith Men a Woman ever Goes by the worfe, whatever be her caufe. Samf. For want of words no doubt, or lackofbreath, Witnefs when I was worried with thy peels. 90S Val. I was a fool, too rafh, and quite miftakgi In what I thought would have fucceeded beft. Let me obtain forgivenefs of thee, Satnfon, Afford me place to fhew what recompence 510 Towards thee I intend for what I have mifdone, Mif-" SJMSONAGONISTES. 103 Mirgufded 5 only what remains part cure Bear not too fenfibly, nor ftill infift T' afflict thy felf in vain : though fight be lofl:> Life yet hath many folaces, enjoy *d 91 j Where other fenfes want not their deliohts At home in lelfure and domeftick eafe. Exempt from many a care and chance, to which Eye-fight expofes daily men abroad. I to the Lords will intercede, not doubting 52j^ Their favourable ear, that I may fetch thee From forth this loathfome prifon-houfe, t' abide With me, wheremy redoubPd love and care With nurfing diligence, to me glad office. May ever tend about thee to old age 9^5 With all things gi-ateful chear'd, and fofupply'd. That what by me thou haft loft thou ieaft fhalt mifs. Samf. No, no, of my condition take no care;. It fits not ; thou and I long fince are twain j Nor think me fo unwary or accurft 5^0 To bring my feet again into the fnare Where once I have been caught : I know thy trains. Though dearly to my coft, thy ginns, and toils j Thy fair enchanted cup, and warbling charms No more on me have pow'r, their force is null'd j 95-5. So much of Adders wifdom I have learnt To fence my ear againft thy Sorceries. If in my flower of youth and ftrength, when all men Lov'd, honour'd, fear'd me, thou alone could 'ft hate me- Thy Husband, flight me, fell me, and forego me ; 940 How would'ft thou ufe me now, blind, and thereby Deceivable, in moft things as a child Helplefs, thence eafily contemn'd, and fcorn'd. And laft neglected? How w^ould'ft thou infult. When I muft live axonous to thy will 94^ F 4 In 104 SAMSON JGONISTE S. In perfed thraldom, how again betray me. Bearing my words and doings to the Lords To glofs upon, and cenfuring, frown or fmile \ This Gaol I count the Houfe of Liberty To thine, whofe Doors my feet fhall never enter. 9^0 BaL Let me approach at leaft, and touch thy hand. Samf. Notforthy h'fe, left fierce remembrance wake My fudden rage to tear thee joint by joint. At diftance I forgive thee, go with that j £ewail thy falfnood, and the pious works 555 It hath brought forth to make thee memorable Among illuftrious Women, faithful Wives : Cherifh thy haften'd widowhood with the gold Of Matrimonial treafon : fo farewell. Bah I fee thou art implacable, more deaf j^e To pray'rs than winds and feas, yet winds to Teas Are reconcil'd at length, and fea to fhore : Thy anger unappeafable, ftill rages. Eternal Tempeft never to be calm'd. Why do I humble thus my felf, and fuing 5^5 For Peace, reap nothing but repulfe and hate \ Bid go with evil omen, and the brand Of infamy upon my name denounc'd ? To mix with thy concernments 1 defift Henceforth, nor too much disapprove my own." 570 Fame i^ not dcuble-fac'd is double-mouth'd. And v.-Ith contrary blaft proclaims moft deeds. On both his wings, one black, the other white. Bears greateft names in his wild airy flight. My name perhaps among the circumcis'd 97 5 In Dan, in.'^udah, and the bordering Tribes, To al! pofteritv may ftand defam'd. With SJMSON AGONISTES. icj With maledidlon mentionM, and the blot Of falfhood moft unconjugal traduc'd. But in my countiy where I moft defire, $20 In Ecrony Gaz^, Afdod^ and hi Gath I Ihall be nam'd among the famoufeft Of Women, fung at folemn feftivals. Living and dead recorded, who to fave Her country from a fierce deftroyer, chofe 9^f- Above the faith of wedlock-bands, my tomb , With odours vifitedand annual flow'rs^ Not lefs renown'd than in Mount Ephraim, . ^aelf who with inhofpitable guile Smote Sifera fleeping through the Temples nail'd. $$o Nor fhall I count it heinous to enjoy The publick marks of honour and. reward Conferr'd upon me, for the piety Which to my country I was judg'd to havefhewn. At this whoever envies or repines, 99^ 1 leave him to his lot, and like my own; Chor. She's gone, amanifeft Serpent by her fting - Difcover'd in the end, till now conceal'd. Samf. So let her go, God fent her to debafe me. And aggravate my folly, who committed 1 000 To fuch a viper his moft facred truft Of fecrefie, my fafety and my life. Chor. Yet beauty, though injurious, hath ftrangepow'r; After offence returning, to regain Love once pofteft, nor can be eafily ioo$ Repulft, without much inward paflionfelt And fecret fting of amorous remorfe. F 1 Sam/.- 1 05 SAMSON JGONISTES. Samf, Love-quarrels oft in pleafing concord end. Not Wedlock-treachery endang'ring life, Chor. It is not virtue, wifdom, valor, wit, lOIO Strength, comelinefs of fhape, or ampleft merit. That Woman's love can win or long inherit j £ut what it is, hard is to fay. Harder to hit, (Which way foever Men refer \C) XOI f Much like thy riddle, Samfon, in one day Or feven, though one (hould mufing fit. If any of thefe or all, the Timnian bride Had not fo foon preferr'd Thy Paranymph, worthi efs to thee compar'd, lOio Succeffor in thy Eed, Kor both {o loofly difally'd Their nuptials, nor this laft fo treacheroufly Had ihorn the fatal Harveft of thy Head : Is it for that fuch outward ornament 1025 Was lavllh'd on their Sex-, that inward gifts Were left for hafte unfinifh'd, judgment fcant. Capacity not rais'd to apprehend. Or value what is beft In choice, but ofteft to affed the wrong \ 1050 Or was too much of felf love mixt. Of conftancy no root infix'd. That either they love nothing or not long \ Whnte'er it be, to wifeft Men and beft Seeming at firft all heav'nly under virgin Veil, IO55 Soft, modeft, meek, demure. Once join'd, the contrary fhe proves, a Thorn Inteftine, war within defenfive arms SJMSOKAGONISTES. loy A cleaving mifchief, in his way to virtue Adverfe and turbulent, or by her charm* 1040^ Draws him awry enflav'd With dotage, and his fenfedeprav'd To folly and fhameful deeds which ruin endj. What Pilot fo expert but needs muft wreck Embarq*d with fuch a Stears-mate at the Helm ? I045'> Favour'd of Heav'n who finds One virtuous rarely found. That in domeftick good combines : Happy that houfe ! his way to peace is fmooth : • But virtue which breaks through all oppofition, 1050 And all temptation can remove, Moft fhines and moft is acceptable above. . Therefore God's univerfal Law Gave to the Man defpotick power Over hts Female in due awe, jfc'55' Nor from that right to part an hour^ Smile fhe or lowre : So fhall he leaft confufion draw On his whole life, not fway'd By female ufurpation, or difmay'd. lO^O But had we beft retire, I fee a ftorm ? Samf. Fair days have oft contraded wind and rain,, Chor. But this another kind of tempeft brings. Samf Be lefs abftrufe, my riddling days are paft. Chor» Look now for no inchanting voice, nor fear The bail of honied words j a rougher tongue 10^^ Diaws 1 08 SAMSO N AG O NISTE S. Draws hitherward, I know him byhisftride, J The Giant Harapha of Gath, his look I Haughty as is pile high-built and proud. " Comes he in peace ? what wind hath blown him hither 1 lefs conjefture than when firft I faw 1 07 1 The fumptuous Dalila floating this v/ay : His habit carries peace, his brow defiance. Samf. Or peace or not, alike to me he comes. Cher, His fraught we foon fhallknoWj he now arrives. Har. I come not, Samfon, to condole thy chance As thefe perhaps, yet wifh it had not been, Tliough for no friendly intent. I am of Gath, Men call me Harapha, of ftock renown'd As Og or Anak and t!:e Emims old 1 080 That Kariathaim held, thou know'ft me now If thou at all art known. Much I have heard Of thy prodigious might and feats perform'd Incredible to me, in this difpleas'd. That I was never prefent on the place 1 68 5 Of thofe encounters, where we might have try'd Each other's force in camp or lifted field : And now am come to fee of whom fuch noife Hath walk'd about, and each limb to furvey. If thy appearance anfvver loud report. 1050 Sawf. The way to know were not to fee but tafle. Har. Doft thou already fingleme \ I thought Gieves and the Mill had tam'd thee. O that fortune Had brought me to the Field where thou art fam'd To have wrought fuch wonders with an Afs's Jaw ; I fnould have forc'd thee foon with other arms, 105^ Or SAMSON AGONISTES. log Or left thy carcafs where the Afs lay thrown : So had the glory of Prowefs been recover'd To Palejiine, won by a Phil'ijl'm From the unfore-skin'd race, of whom thou bear'ft The higheft name for valiant A£ts, that honour iioi Certain to have won by mortal duel from thee, 1 lofe, prevented by thy eyes put out. Samf, Boaft not of what thou wouldft have done but do What then thouwouldft, thou feeftit in thy hand. iio< Har. To combat with a blind Man I dKdTi'my And thou haft need much wafhingto be touch 'd. Samf. Such ufage as your honourable Lords Afford me aiTaflinated and betray 'd. Who durft not with their whole united pow'rs mo In fight withftand me fingle and unarm'd. Nor in the houfe with chamber Ambufhes Clofe-banded durft attaque me, no not fleepfng Till they had hir'd a woman with their gold Breaking her Marriage Faith to circumvent me. 1 1 1 ^ Therefore without feign'd fhifts let be affign'd Some narrow place enclos'd, where fight may give thee^ Or rather flight, no great advantage on me j Then put on all thy goi*geous arms, thy Helmet And Brigandine of brafs, thy broad Habergeon, iizo Vant-brafs and Gieves, and Gauntlet, and thy Spear A Weaver's beam, and feven-times-folded fhield j 1 only with an Oak'n-ftaff will meet thee. And raife fuch out-cries on thy clatter'd Iron, Which long fhall not with- hold me from thy head, 1 12 5 That in a little time while breath remains thee. Thou oft (hah wifh thy felf at Gath to boaft Again no SAMSON AGONISTES. Again in fafety what thou wouldft have done To Samfon, but fhalt never fee Gath more. Mar, Thou durfl: not thus difparage glorious arms Which greateft Heroes have in battle worn, ii jl Their ornament and fafety, had not fpells And black enchantments, fome Magician's Art [Heav'n Arm'd thee or charm'd thee ftrong, which thou from Feign'dft' at thy Birth was giv'n thee in thy Hair, 1 1 3 5 Where ftrength can leaft abide, though all thy Hairs Were briftles rang'd like thofe that ridge the back Of chaf'd wild Boars, or ruffl'd Procupines. Sam, I know no Spells, ufe no forbidden Arts j My truft is in the living God, who gave me 1140 At my Nativity this ftrength, difFus'd Nolefs through all my finews, joints and bones, Than thine, while I preferv'd thefe locks unfliorn. The pledge of my unviolated vow. For proof hereof, ii Bagoji be thy god, 1145 Go to his Temple, invocate his aid With folemneft devotion, fpread before him How highly it concerns his glory now To fruftrate and diffblve thefe Magick fpells, Which I to be the power of ifraei's God 1 1 50 Avow, and challenge Dagon to the teft, OfTring to combat thee his Champion bold. With th'utmoft of his Godhead feconded : Then thou fhalt fee, or rather to thy forrow Soon feel, whofe God is ftrongeft, thine or mine. 1 1 5 5 Har. Prefume not on thy God, what ere he be. Thee he regards not, owns not, hath cut oiF Quire from his people, and deliver'd up into thy Enemies hand, permitted them To SJMSON AGONISTES. n, To put out both thine eyes, and fetter*d fend thee ii6o Into the common Prifon, there to grind Among the Slaves and AfTes thy comrades, As good for nothing elfe, no better fervice Witli thofe thy boyft'rous locks, no worthy match For valour to affail, nor by the fword l\6< Of noble Warriour, fo to ftain his honour. But by the Barbers razor bed fubdu'd. Samf. All thefe indignities, for fuch they are From thine, thefe evils I deferve and more. Acknowledge them from God inflided on me 1 170 Juftly, yet defpair not of his final pardon Whofe ear is ever open, and his eye Gracious to re-admit the fuppliantj In confidence whereof I once again Defie thee to the trial of mortal fight, 1 175 By combat to decide whofe God is God, Thine or whom I with ifraeVs Sons adore. Har, Fair honour that thou do'ft thy God, in trufting He will accept thee to defend his CAufe, AMurtherer, a Revolter, and a Robber. 11 80 Samf, Tongue-doughty Giant, how doft thou prove me [thefe > Har. Is not thy Nation fub)e£t to our Lords ? Their Magiftrates confeft h, when they took thee As a League-breaker, and deliver'd bound Into our hands : for hadft thou not committed 1185 Notorious murther on thofe thirty rnen At Askalon, who never did thee harm. Then like a Robber ftrip'dft them of their robes > The Ph'il'tfiins, when thou hadft broke the league, V^ent Ill SAMSON AGONISTES. Went up with armed pow'rs thee only feeking, 1 1 90 To others did no violence nor fpoil. Samf. Among the Daughters of the Philijl'ms I chofe a Wife, which argu'd me no foe 5 And in your City held my Nuptial Feaft : But your ill-meaning Politician Lords, I '9^5 Under pretence of bridal friends and guefts. Appointed to await me thirty Spies, Who threatning cruel death conftrain'd the Bride To wring from me and tell to them my fecret. That folv'd the riddle which I had propos'd. laCO When I perceiv'd all fet on enmity. As on my enemies, where ever chanc'd> I us'd hoftility, and took their fpoil To pay my undermihers in their coin. "My Nation was fubje£led to your Lords ; 1205 It was the force of Conqueft ; force with force Is well ejededwhen the Conquer'd can. But I a private perfon, whom my Countiy As a league-breaker gave up bound, prefum'd Single Rebellion, and did hoftile Ads. 12 10 I was no private but a perfon rais'd Withftrength fufficient and command from Heav'n To free my Country ; if their fervile minds Me their deliverer fent would not receive. But to their Mafters gave me up for naught, 12, 15 Th' unworthier they j whence to this day they ferve. I was to do my part from Heav'n affign'd. And had perform'd it if my known offence Had not difabl'd me, not all your force : Thefe fhifts refuted, anfvver thy appellant 12 so Though by his blindnefs maim'd for high attempts. Who now defies thee thrice to fingle fight. As a petty enterprife of fmall enforce. SAMSON AGONISTES. 113 Hor. With thee, a man condemn'd, a Slave enrol'd. Due by the Law to capital punifhment ? 1125 To fight with thee no man of arms will deign. Samf, Cam'fl: thou for this, vain boafter, to furvey me. To defcant on my ftrength, and give thy verdift \ Come nearer, part not hence fo flight inform'd; But take good heed my hand furvey not thee. 1230 Ham. O Baal-zehtib ! can my ears unus'd- Hear thefe difhonours, and not render death ? Sam[. No man with-holds thee, nothing from thy hand Fear 1 incurable ; bring up thy van. My heels are fetter'd, but my fift is free. 1135 Bar. This infolence other kind of anfwer fits. Sam[. Go baffl'd coward, lefl: I run upon thee. Though in thefe chains, bulk without fpirit vaft. And with one buffet lay thy {Irudure low. Or fwing thee in the Air, then dafh thee down 1240 To th' hazard of thy brains and fliatter'd fides. Har. By Aftaroth ere long thou fhalt lament Thefe braveries in Irons loaden on thee. 'Chor. His Giantfhip is gone fomewhat crefl-fall'n^ Stalking with lefs unconfcionable flrides 12,45 And lower looks, but in a fultrie chafe. Satnf. I dread him not, nor all his Giant-brood, Though fame divulg'd him Father of five Sons. All of Gigantick fize, Goliah chief. Chorm 114 SAMSONAGONISTES. Chor. He will direftlyto the Lords, 1 fear, ii^e And with malitious counfel ftir them up Some way or other farther to afflid thee. Samf. He mufl: alledgTome caufe, and offer'd fight Will not dare mention, left a queftion rife Whether he durft accept the offer or not, 1255 And that he durft not plain enough appear'd : Much more afflici:ion than already felt They cannot well impofe, nor 1 fuftain j If they intend advantage of my labours The work of many hands, which earns my keeping With no fmall profit daily to my owners. 12^1 But come what will, my deadlieft Foe will prove My fpeedieft friend, by death to nd me hence. The worft that he can give, to me the beft. Yet fo it mav fall out, becaufe their end Ii^l Is hate, not help to me, it may with mine Draw their own min who attempt the deed. Chor. Oh how comely it is, and how reviving To the Spirits of juft men long oppreft I When God into the hands of their deliverer I27l> Puts invincible might To quell the mighty of the Earth, th' oppreflbr. The brute and boift'rous force of violent men Hardy and induftrious to fupport Tyrannick power, but raging to purfue 127^ The righteous and all fuch as honour Truth j He all tlieir Ammunition And feats of War defeats. With plain Heroick magnitude of mind kn^ celeftial vigour arm'd, ii'^Q Their Armories and Magazins contemns. Renders SJMSON AGONISTES.w^ Renders them ufelefs, while With winged expedition. Swift as the light'ning glance, he executes His errand on the wicked, who furpriz'd Ii85 Lofe their defence diftrafted and amaz'd. But patience is more oft the exercife Of Saints, the trial of their fortitude. Making them each his own Deliverer, Aiid Vidor over all 12^0 That tyranny or fortune can inflid. Either of thefe is in thy lot, Samfon, with might endu*d * Above the Sons of men ; but fight bereav*d May chance to number thee with thofe 1255 Whom Patience finally muft crown. Thus Idol's day hath been to thee no day of reft, Labouring thy mind More than the working day thy hands. And yet perhaps more trouble is behind, X500 For I defcry this way Some other tending, in his hand A Scepter or quaint Staff he bears-. Comes on amain, fpeed in his look 5 By his habit I difcern him now 1 3^5 A Publick Officer, and now at hand. His meflage will be fliort and voluble. Off, Hebrews, the Pris'ner Samfon here I feek. Chor, His manacles remark him, there he fits. off. Samfon, to thee our Lords thus bid me fay ; This day to Dagon is a fokmn Feaft, i\^^ With 1 1 6 SAMS ONAGOKISTES. With Sacrifices, Triumph, Pomp and Games j Thy ftrength they know furpading human race. And now fome publick proof thereof require To honour this great Feaft, and great Affembly : I $ 1 5 Rife therefore with all fpeed and come alono-. Where I will fee thee heartn'd and frefh clad To appear as fits before th' illuftrious Lords. Sam[. Thou know'ft I am an Hebrew, therefore tell Our Law forbids at their Religious Rites [them. My prefence j for that caufe I cannot come. i ^i i Off, This anfwer', be afTur'd, will not content them. Samf, Have they not Sword-players, and ev*ry fort Of Gymnick Artifts, Wreftlers, Riders, Runners, Juglers and D-aucers, Anticks, Mummers, Mimers, 13^5 But they muft pick nie out with fhackles tir'd. And over-labour'd at their publick Mill, To make them fport with blind adtivity ? Do they not feek occafion of new quarrels On my refufal to diftrefs me more, J 5 3® Or make a game of my calamities? Return the way thou cam'ft, I will not conies Off, Regard thy felf, this will offend them highly. Sam[» My felf? my confcience and internal peace. Can they think me fo broken, fo debas'd 1331 With corporal ferv'itude, that my mind ever Will condefcend to fuch abfurd commands \ Although their drudge, to be their fool or jefter. And in my midft of forrow and heart-grief To ftiew them feats, and play before tf)^ir god, 1 340 The SAMS ONJGO NISTE Sny The worft of all indignities, yet on me Join'd with extreme contempt ? 1 will not come. off. My melTage was imposM on me with fpeed. Brooks no delay : is this thy refolution ? '344 Safnf. So take it with what fpeed thy melTage needs. Cff. I am foriy what this ftoutnefs will produce. Sam, Perhaps thou flialt have caufe to forrow indeed. Chor, Condder, Satnfon j matters now are ftrain'd Up to the heighth, whether to hold or break ; Jie's gone, and who knows how he may report I5$0 Thy words by adding fuel to the flame ? Expefl: another meiTage more imperious. More Lordly thund'ringthan thou well wilt bear. Samf. Shall I abufe this confecrated gift Of ftrength, again returning with my hair ^ ^ 5 ■) After my great tranfgreffion, fo requite Tavour renew'd, and add a greater fin By proftituting holy things to Idols \ A Nazante in place abominable Vaunting my ftrength in honour to their Bagon ! 1 3^3 Befides how vile, contemptible, ridiculous, What ad more execrably unclean, prophane \ Chor. Yet with this ftrength thou fen'ft the Phllijiins, Idolatrous, uncircumcis'd, unclean. Samf. Not in their Idol-worfhip, but by labour Honeft and lawful to deferve my food i^C^ Of thofe who have me m their civil power. Chor, 115 SJMSONAGONISTES. Ch. Where the heart joins not, outw'rd a£^s defile not. Samf. Where outward force conftrahis, the fentence But who conftrains me to the Temple of Dagon^ [holds. Not dragging ? the Phtlijlian Lords command. 1 3 7 1 Commands are no conftraints. If I obey them, 1 do it freely, venturing to difpleafe God for the fear of Man, and Man prefer. Set God behind : which in his jealoufie 1375 Shall never, unrepented, find forgivenefs. Yet that he may difpenfe with me or thee Prefent in Temples at Idolatrous Rites For fome important caufe, thou need'ft not doubt. Chor, How thou wilt here come ofFfurmounts my reach. Safnf. Be of good courage, I begin to feel 1 381 Some rouzing motions in me, which difpofe To fomething extraordinary my thoughts. I with this MefTenger will go along. Nothing to do, be fure, that may di (honour 15^$ Our Law, or ftain my vow of Nazarite, If there be aught of prefage in the mind. This day will be remarkable in my life By fome great aft, or of my days the laft. 158^ Chor, in time thou haftrefolv'd, the man returns. Off. Samfon, this fecond meffage from our Lords To thee I am bid fay. Art thou our Slave, Our Captive, at the publick Mill our drudge. And dar'fi: thou at our fending and command Difpute thy coming ? come without delay j 139 5 Or we fhall find fuch Engines to affaii i And SJMSON AGONISTES. 117 And hamper thee, as thou fhalt come of force. Though thou art firmlier faftnM than a Rock. Safnf* I could be well content to try their Art, Which to no few of them would prove pernicious. Yet knowing their advantages too many, 1401 Becaufe they (liall not trail me through their ftreets Like a wild Beaft, I am content to go. Mafters commands come with a power refiftle/s To fuch as owe them abfolute fubjedlion : 1405 And for a life v/ho will not change his purpofe ? (So mutable are all the ways of men) Yet this be fure, in nothing to comply Scandalous or forbidden in our Law. Off. I praife thy refolution, doffthefe links : 141 o By this compliance thou wilt win the Lords To favour, and perhaps to fet thee free. Samf. Brethren farewell, your company aloncr I will not wifh, left it perhaps offend them To fee me girt with Friends j and how the ii(y\\t 14 1 < Of me as of a common Enemy, So dreaded once, may now exafperate them 1 know not : Lords are Lordlieft in their wine • And the well-feafted Prieft then fooneft fir'd With zeal, if aught Religion feem concern'd ; 1420 No lefs the People on their Holy-days Impetuous, infolent, unquenchable, Happ'n what may, ofmeexpedto hear Nothing difhonourable, impure, unworthy Our God, our Law, my Nation or my feif^ 14^ t The laft of me or no 1 cannot warrant. 120 SJMSON AGONISTES. Chor. Go, and the Holy One Of ifrael be thy guide To what may ferve his glory beft, and fpread his name Great among the Heathen round j 1430 Send the Angel of thy Birth to (land Taft by thy fide, who from thy Father's field Rode up in flames after his mefTage told Of thy conception, and be now a fhield Of fire 5 that Spirit that firft rufht on thee 1435 In the Camp of Dan Be efficacious in thee now at need. For never was from Heaven imparted Meafure of ftrength fo great to mortal feed. As in thy wond'rous aftions hath been feen. 1440 But wherefore comes old Manoa in fuch hafte With youthfiil fteps ? much livelier than ere while He feems : fuppofing here to find his Son, Or of him bringing to us fome glad news \ ^444 Man. Peace with yoil. Brethren ; my inducement hf- Was not at prefent here to find my Son, [ther By order of the Lords new parted hence To come and play before them at their Feaft; I heard all as 1 came, the City rings And numbers thither flock, I had no will, 1453 Lefl: I fhould fee him forc'd to things unfeemly : But that which mov'd my coming now, was chiefly To give you part with me what hope I have With good fuccefs to work his liberty. Chor. That hope would much rejoyce us to partake With thee j fay, reverend Sire, wethirft to hear, 145(3 Alan. SAMSON AGONISTES. 121 Man. I have attempted one by one the Lords Either at home, or through the high ftreet paJQling, With fupplication prone and Fathers tears, T* accept of ranfom for my Son their pris'ner. 14^0 Some much averfe I found and wondrous harfh. Contemptuous, proud, fet on revenge and fpite j That part moft reverenc'd Bagon and his priefts. Others more moderate Teeming, but their aim Private reward, for which both God and State 14^5 They eafily would fet to fale j a third More generous far and civil, who confefs'd They had enough reveng'd, having reduc'd Their foe to mifery beneath their fears. The reft was magnanimity to remit, ^47® If fome convenient ranfom was proposM. What noifeor Qiout was that ? it tore the Skie. Chor. Doubtlefs the people fhouting to behold Their once great dread, captive, and blind before them^ Or at fome proof of ftrength before them iTiown. 147 5 Man. His ranfom, if my whole inheritance May compafs it., fhall willingly be paid And number'd down : much rather I (hall chufe To live the pooreft in my Tribe, than richeft. And he in that calamitous prifon left. 1480 No, I am fixt not to part hence without himi For his redemption all my Patrimony, If need be, I am ready to forgo And quit : not wanting him, 1 fhall want nothing. Chor. Fathers are wont to Iny up for their Sons, Thou for thy Son are bent to lay ouc all ; 148^ Sons wont to nurfe their Parents in old age, G Thou 142 SJMSON JGONISTES- Thou in old age car'ft how to nuvfe thy Son, Made older than thy age through eye-fight loft. Man. It fhall be my delight to tend his eye?, 145* And view him fitting in the houfe, ennobl'd With all thofe high exploits by him atchiev'd. And on his fhoulders waving down thofe locks. That of a Nation arm'd the ftrength contain'd : And 1 perfuade me God hath not permitted 149$ His ftrength again to grow up with his hair Garifon'd round about him like a Camp Of faithful Soldiery, were not his purpofe To ufe him farther yet in fome great fcrvice. Not to fit idle with fo great a gift I $00 \Ji^t\z(sy and thence ridiculous about him. And fince his ftrength with eye-fight was not loft, God will reftore him eve-fi^ht to his ftrength. Chor. Thy hopes are not ill founded, nor feem vain Of his delivery, and thy joy thereon i$o$ Conceiv'd, agreeable to a Father's love. In both which we, as next, participate. Man. I know your friendly minds and — O what noife ! Mercy of Heav'n what hideous noife was that 1 Horribly loud, unlike the former ftiout. I5i« Chor. Noife call you it, or unlverfal groan. As if the whole inhabitation perifti'd ! Blood, death, and deathful deeds are in that noife. Ruin, deftruftion at the utmoft point. 15 14 Man* Of ruin indeed me-thought I heard the noife. Qh it continues, they have flain my Son ! Chor. SAMSON AGONISTES. 123 Chor. Thy Son is rather flaying them, that outcry From flau^hter of one Foe could not afcend. Man. Some difmal accident it needs muft be 5 What fhall we do, ftay here or run and fee ? 1510 Chor. Beft keep together here, left mnning thither We unawares run into danger's mouth. This evil on ihtPhil'tJi'ms is fall'n. From whom could elfe a general cry be heard : The fufferers then will fcarce moled us here, 1515 From other handy we need not much to fear. What if his eye-fight (for to IfraeVs God Nothing is hard) by miracle reftor'd. He now be dealing dole amon^ his foes. And over heaps of flaughter'd walk his way 1 155© Man, That were a joy prefumptuous to be thought. Chor. Yet God hath wrought things as incredible For his people of old j what hinders now 1 Man. He can I know, but doubt to think he will j Yet hope would fain fubfcribe and tempts behef, 1555 A little ftay will bring fome notice hither. Chor. Of good or bad fo great, of bad the foonerj For evil news rides poft, while good news baits« And to our wifti I fee one liither fpeeding, AnHeheij, as I gue fs, and of our Tribe. 1 54^ Mejf. O whither (hall I run, or which way flic The fight of this fo horrid fpe^ade, G a Which 124 SAMSON AGONISTES. Which erft my eyes beheld and yet behold > For dire imagination ftill purfues me. But Providence or inftind of nature Teems, 1 5-4^ Or reafon though diOurb'd, and fcarce confulted To have guided me aright, I know not how. To thee fiift reverend Manoa, and to thefe My countrymen, whom here I knew remaining. As at fome diftance from the place of horror, 1550 So in the fad event too much coiicern'd. Man, The accident was loud, and heard before thee With rueful cry, yet what it was we hear not j No preface needs, thou feeft we long to know. Mejf. It would buift forth, but I recover breath And fenfe diftrad, to know well what 1 utter. i $ $f Man. Tell us the fum, the circumftance defer. MeJf. Gaza yet ftands, but all her Sons are fall'n. All in a moment overwhelm 'd and fall'n. Man. Sad, but thou know'ft to //m^//V^; not faddefl: The defolation of a hoftile City. 15^1 Me(f, Teed on that firft, there may in grief be furfeit., Man. Relate by whom. MeJf. By Sampn. Man. That [ftill lefTens The forrow, and converts it nigh to joy. Mef Ah Mama, I refrain, too fuddenly 15^5 To utter what will come at laft too foon i Left SAMSON AGONISTES. 12 j Left evil tidings with too rude inuptlon Hitting thy aged ear fhould pierce too deep, 2^Ian» Sufpenfe in news is torture, fpeak them out. Mejf, Then take the worft in brief, Samfon h dead, 1570 Man. The worft indeed, O all my hope's defeated To free him hence ! but death who fets all free Hath paid his ranfom now and full difcharge. What windy joy this day had I conceiv'd Hopeful of his Deliv'ry, which now proves 1575 Abortive as the firft-born bloom of fpn'ng Nipt with the lagging reer of winter's froft. Yet ere I give the the reins to grief, fay firft. How dy'd he > death to life h crown or flhame. All by him fell thou fiy'ft, by whom fell he ? m8o What glorious hand gave Samfon his death's wound ? MeJf. Unwounded of his enemies he fell. Man, Wearied^vith flaughter then or how \ explain. MeJf, By his own hands. Alan. Self-violence? what caufe 1585 Brought him fo foon at variance with him 'elf Among his Foes ? MeJf, Inevitable caufe At once both to deftroy and be deftroyed ; The Edifice where all were met to fee him, 1590 Upon their heads and on his own he puU'd. G 3 Man. 126 SJMSONAGONISTES. Man. O laftly over-ftrong againft thy felf ! A dreadful way thou took'ft to thy revenge. More than enough we know ; but while things yet Are in confufion, give us if thou canft, 159^ Eye-witnefs of what firft or Inft was done. Relation more particular and diftincl, Mejf. Occaflons drew me early to this Cit)', And as the o^its I enter'd with Sun-rife, c The Morning Trumpets Feftival proclaim'd l ^o© Through each high ftreet : little had 1 difpatch'd, When all abroad was rumour'd that this day Samfon fhould be brought forth to fhew the people Proof of his mighty ftrength in feats and games, I forrow'd at his captive ftate, but minded 1^05 >Jot to be abfent at that fpeftncle. The building was a fpacious Theatre Half-round, on two main Pillars vaulted high> With feats where all the Lords and each degree Of fort, might fit in order to behold i I^IO The other fide was op*n, where the throng On banks and fcaffolds, under Slcie might ftand 5 I among thofe aloof obfcurely ftood. The Feaft and Noon grew high, and Sacrifice Had nll'd their hearts with mirth, high chear and wine. When to their fports they turn'd. Immediately 161^ Was Saw/on as a publick fervant brought. In their ftate Livery clad j before him Pipes And* Timbrels, on each fide went armed guards. Both horfe and foot before him and behind, l<^iO Archers, and Slingers, Cataphracls and Spears. At fight of him the people with a fhout Rifted the Air, clamouring their god with pralfe, VCho had made their dreadful enemy their thrall. He i SJMSONJGONISTES. 127 He patient but undaunted where they led him, 1^2,^ Came to the place, and what was fet before him Which without help of eye might be afTay'd, To heave, pull, draw, and break, he ftill perform'd All with incredible, ftupendious force. None daring to appear Antagonift-. 1^3© At length for intermiflfion fake they led hfra Between the Pillars ; he his guide requeued (For fo from fuch as nearer ftood we heard) As over-tir'd, to let him lean a while With both his arms on thofe two maflie Pillars, i^ 55 That to the arched roof gave main fupport. He unfufpicious led him 5 which when Samfon Pelt in his arms, with head a while inclined. And eyes fail fixt he ftood as one who pray'd-,. Or fome great matter in his mind revolv'J. I040 At laft with head ered thus cry'd aloud, Hitherto, Lords, what your commands impos'd. I have perform'd, asreafonwas, obeying,. Nor without wonder or delight beheld : Kow of my own accord fuch other tryal 1^45* 1 mean to (hew you of my ftrength, yet greater. As with amaze £hall ftrike all who behold. This utter*d, ftraining all his nerves he bow'd. As with the force of winds and waters pent^ When Mountains tremble, thofe two maflie Pillars 1^50 With horrible confufion to and fro. He tugg'd, he took, till down they came and drew The whole roof after them, with burft of thunder. Upon the heads of all who fat beneath. Lords, Ladies, Captains, Counfellors, or Priefts, 1^51 Their choice Nobility and Flower, not only Of this but each Philijlian City round Met from all parts to folemnize this Feaft. G 4 Samfon laS Sj4MSONj4GONISTES. Samfon with thefe immixt, inevitably Pull'd down the fame deftrudion on himfelf j i^^o The volgar only fcap'd who flood without. Chor, O dearly-bought revenge, yet glorious \ Living or dying thou haft fuIfiU'd The work for which thou waft foretold To T/r^^/, and now ly'ft viftorious 1 5^5 Among thy flain felf-kill'd Not willingly, but tangl'd in the fold, Oi diTQ neceftlty, whofe law in death conjoined Thee with thy flaughter'd foes in number more Than all thy life had llain before. 1^70 Semichor. While their hearts were jocund and fublimCi Drunk with Idolatry, drunk with Wine, And fat regorg'd of Bulls and Goats, ChauntJng their Idol, and preferring Before our living Dread who dwells 1^7^ In Silo his bright Sanduary : Among them he a fpirit of phrenzie fcnt. Who hurt their minds, A nd ura'd them on with mad defire To call in hafte for their deftroyer. !58o They only fet on fport and play, Unweetingly importun'd Their own deftrudlion to come fpeedy upon them. So fond are mortal men Jall'n into wrath divine, 1^85 As their own ruin on themfelves i' invite, Infenfate left, or to fenfe reprobate. And with blindnefs internal ftruck. ^ Semichor. SJMSON AGOmSTES. 129 Semkhor. But he though blind of fight, Defpis'd and thought extinguifh'd quite, l6$o With inward eyes illuminated. His fiery virtue rous'd From under afhes into fiidden flame. And as ev'nins Dragon came, Afiailant on the perched roofts, 1^95 And nefts in order rang'd Of tame villatick Fowl ■-, but as an Eagle His cloudlefs thunder bolted on their heads, So virtue giv'n for loft, Depreft;, and overthrown, as feeiri'dj 17O0 Like that felf-besott'n Bird In the Arabian woods emboft. That no fecond knows nor third. And lay eie while a Holocauft, From out her afliie womb now teem'd, 17 oi Revives, reflouriflies, then vigorous ftioft When moft unadive deem'd. And though her body die, her fame furvlves, A fecular Bird ages of lives. 170 J Man, Come, come, no time for lamentation now. Nor much more caufe j Samfon hath quit himfelf Like Samfon, and heroickly hath finiQi'd A life Heroick, on his Enemies Fully reveng'd, hath left them yeai-s of mournrng. And lamentation to the Sons oi' Chaptor 171 5 Through all PhUtjiian bounds : To Ifrjicl Honour hath left, and freedom, let but them Find courage to lay hold on this occafion ; To himfelf and Father's h^ufe eternal fime r And wliich is bell and hnppieft yet, all this. 1710- G 5' Wirb ISO SJMSON j4G0NISTES. With God not parted fi-om him, as v/as fear'd. But favouring and aflifting to the end. Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wail Or knock the breafts, no weaknefs, no contempt, Difpraife, or blame, nothing but well and fair, 172$ And what may quiet us in a death fo noble. Let us go find the Body where it lies Soak'd in his enemies blood, and from the ftream With Invers pure and cleanfing herbs wafh off' The clodded gore. I with what fpeed the while 173^ {Gaza IS not in plight to fay us nay) Will fend for all my kindred, all my friends To fetch him hence, and folemnly attend With filent obfequie and funeral train Home to his father's houfe : there will I build him 173 5 A Monument, and plant it round with fhade Of Laurel ever-green, and branching Palm, With all his Trophies hung, and k€ts enroll'd In copious Legend, or fweet Lyrick Song. Thither fhall all the valiant Youth refort, 1740 And from his memory inflame their breafts To matchlefs valour, and adventures high : The Virgins alfo fhall on feaftful days Vifit his Tomb with flowers, only bewailing His lot unfortunate in nuptial choice, ^745 Trom whence captivity and lofs of eyes. Chor, All is befl, though we oft doubt What th' unfearchable difpofc Of higheft wifdom brings about. And ever beft found m the clofe. 1750 Oft he feems to hide his face. But unexpectedly returns. And to his faithful Champion hath in place £ore SAMSON AGONISTES. iji Bore witnefs glorioufly j whence Gax^ mourns, And all that band them to refift 175^ His uncontroulable intent. His fervant he with new acquift Of true experience from this great event With peace and confolation hath difmift. And calm of mind all pafllon fpent. ifSO" THE E NT>. POEMS, &c. UPON Several Occasions, I N ENGLISH and L ATI N,c^f. Compos'd at feveral times. By Mr. JOHN MILTON. ■Saccare frcntem Cingite, ne vati neceat mala lingua fiiniro. Virgil, Eclog. 7, ^{500^X^e;^>?:3;5S$K?^?{5^^ ( >J5) L Y C I D A S< /;/ this Monody the Author bewails a learned Friend ^unfortunately drown' d in his pajfage from Chefter on the Irifh Seas^ i^37- ^^^ h occajion foretells the ruin of our corrupted Clergy then in their height. E T once more, O ye Laurels, and once more Ye Myrtles brown, with Ivy never-fear, I come to pluck your Berries harfh and crude^ And with forc'd fingers rude, Shatter your leaves before the mellowing year. Eitter conftraint, and fad occafion dear. Compels me to difturb your feafon due : Por Lycidai is dead, dead ere his prime. Young Lycidas, and hath not left his peer : >5^ho would not fing for Lycidas ? he knew Himfelf to fing, and build the lofty rhyme. He muft not flote upon his watry bier 1 Unvrept, 1^6 ^oems on feveralOccaJlons. Unwept, and welter to the parching wind. Without the meed of Tome melodious tear. Begin then. Sifters of the facred well. That from beneath the feat of Jo've doth fpring» Be