Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/171

 Confess, and promise wonders in her change, Not truly penitent, but chief to try Her husband, how far urg'd his patience bears, His vertue or weakness which way to assail: Then with more cautious and instructed skill Again transgresses, and again submits; That wisest and best men full oft beguil'd With goodness principl'd not to reject The penitent, but ever to forgive, Are drawn to wear out miserable days, Entangl'd with a poysnous bosom snake, If not quick destruction soon cut off As I by thee, to Ages an example.
 * Dal.Yet hear me Samson; not that I endeavour

To lessen or extenuate my offence, But that on th' other side if it be weigh'd By it self, with aggravations not surcharg'd, Or else with just allowance counterpois'd I may, if possible, thy pardon find Rh