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138 SAMSON AGONISTES.
Can they think me fo broken, fo debas'd
With corporal fervitndc, that my mind ever
Will condefcend to inch abfurd commands?
Although their drudge, to be their fool or jefter,
And in my midft of forrow and heart grief
To fhow them feats, and play before their god,
The worft of all indignities, yet on me
Join'd with extreme contempt ? I will not come.
OFFICER.
My meffage was impos'd on me with fpeed,
Brooks no delay: is this thy refolution?
SAMSON.
So take it with what fpeed thy meffage needs.
OFFICER.
I am forry what this ftoutnefs will produce.
SAMSON.
Perhaps thou fhalt have caufe to forrow' indeed.
CHORUS.
Confider, Samfon; matters now are flrain'd
Up to the height, whether to hold or break 5
He's gone, and who knows how he may report
Thy words by adding fuel to the flame?
Expe6t another meffage more imperious,
More lordly thnnd'ring than thou well wilt bear.
SAMSON.
Shall I abufe this confecrated gift
Of ftrength, again returning with my hair
After my great tranfgreffion, fo requite
Favour renew'd, and add a greater fin
By proftituting holy things to idols 5
A Nazarite in place abominable