Samson: Thou know'st I am an Hebrew; therefore tell them
Our law forbids at their religious rites
My presence; for that cause I cannot come.
Officer: This answer, be assured will not content them.
Samson: Return the way thou camest;
I will not come.
Officer: Regard thyself; this will offend them highly.
Samson: Can they think me so broken, so debased
With corporal servitude, that my mind ever
Will condescend to such absurd commands?
Joined with extreme contempt! I will not come.
Officer: I am sorry what this stoutness will produce.
Chorus: He's gone, and who knows how he may report
Thy words by adding fuel to the flames.
Expect another message more imperious.
Samson: Shall I abuse this consecrated gift
Of strength, again returning with my hair,
After my great transgression!—so requite
Favour renewed, and add a greater sin
By prostituting holy things to idols.
Chorus: Where the heart joins not, outward acts defile not.
Samson: Be of good courage; I begin to feel
Some rousing motions in me, which dispose
To something extraordinary my thoughts.
I with this messenger will go along—
If there be aught of presage in the mind,
This day will be remarkable in my life
By some great act, or of my days the last.