SAMSON AGONISTES. 591 Our law forbids at their rdigious rites 1320 My prefence ; for that caufe I cannot come: Of This anfwer, be affur'd, will not content them. Sam. Have they not (word-players, and every fort Of gymnic artifts, wreffiers, riders, runners, Juglers and dancers, antics, mummers, mimics, 1325 But they muff pick me out with (hackles tir'd, And over-labor'd at their public mill, To make them fport with blind activity ? Do they mot feek occafion of new quarrels On my refufal to diftrefs me more, 1330 Or make a game of my calamities ? Return the way thou cam'ft, I will not came.' Off. Regard thyfelf, this will offend them highly. Sam. Mytelf? myconfcience and internal peace. Can they think me fo broken, fo debas'd 1335 With corporal fervitude, that my mind ever Will condefcend to fuch abfurd commands ? Although their drudge, to be their fool or jefter, And in my midft of forrow and heart-grief To (how them feats, and play before their God, 1340 The worft of all indignities, yet on me Join'd with extreme contempt ? I will not come. Of My meffage was impos'd on me with fpeed, Brooks no delay : is this thy refolution ? 13444 Sam. So take it with what fpeed thy meffage needs. (41: I am lorry what this ftoutnefs will produce. Sam. Perhaps thou (halt have caufe to forrow' indeed. Cho. Confider, Samfon ; matters now are ftrain'd Up to the highth, whether to hold or break ; He's gone, and who knows how he may report 1350 Thy words by adding fuel to the flame ? Expect another meffage more imperious, More lordly thund'ring than thou well wilt bear. Sam. Shall I ahufe this confecrated gift Of
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