Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/213

 The desolation of a Hostile City.
 * Mess.Feed on that first, there may in grief be surfet.
 * Man.Relate by whom.Mess.By Samson.Man.That still lessens

The sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.
 * Mess.Ah Manoa I refrain, too suddenly

To utter what will come at last too soon; Lest evil tidings with too rude irruption Hitting thy aged ear should pierce too deep. Man.Suspense in news is torture, speak them out.
 * Mess.Then take the worst in brief, Samson is dead.
 * Man.The worst indeed, O all my hope's defeated

To free him hence! but death who sets all free Hath paid his ransom now and full discharge. What windy joy this day had I conceiv'd Hopeful of his Delivery, which now proves Abortive as the first-born bloom of spring Nipt with the lagging rear of winters frost. Yet e're I give the reins to grief, say first, How dy'd he? death to life is crown or shame. Rh