Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/158

 Or th' execution leave to high disposal, And let another hand, not thine, exact Thy penal forfeit from thy self; perhaps God will relent, and quit thee all his debt; Who evermore approves and more accepts (Best pleas'd with humble and filial submission) Him who imploring mercy sues for life, Then who self-rigorous chooses death as due; Which argues over-just, and self-displeas'd For self-offence, more then for God offended. Reject not then what offerd means, who knows But God hath set before us, to return thee Home to thy countrey and his sacred house, Where thou may'st bring thy off'rings, to avert His further ire, with praiers and vows renew'd.
 * Sam.His pardon I implore; but as for life,

To what end should I seek it? when in strength All mortals I excell'd, and great in hopes With youthful courage and magnanimous thoughts Rh