| Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917. | | | | Samson | | By John Milton |
| | (From “Samson Agonistes”)
O WHEREFORE was my birth from heaven foretold | |
| Twice by an angel, who at last, in sight | |
| Of both my parents, all in flames ascended | |
| From off the altar, where an offering burned, | |
| As in a fiery column charioting | 5 |
| His godlike presence, and from some great act | |
| Or benefit revealed to Abraham’s race? | |
| Why was my breeding ordered and prescribed | |
| As of a person separate to God, | |
| Destined for great exploits, if I must die | 10 |
| Betrayed, captive, and both my eyes put out, | |
| Made of my enemies the scorn and gaze; | |
| To grind in brazen fetters under task | |
| With this Heaven-gifted strength? O glorious strength, | |
| Put to the labor of a beast, debased | 15 |
| Lower than bond-slave! Promise was, that I | |
| Should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver; | |
| Ask for this great deliverer now, and find him | |
| Eyeless in Gaza, at the mill with slaves, | |
| Himself in bonds under Philistine yoke. | 20 | | | |
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