Samson

(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

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

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

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.