Mine and Thine (1904)/Delilah

by Florence Earle Coates

For other versions of this work, see Delilah (Coates).

DELILAH

Evermore I hear my name,
Blared upon the cruel street,
Echoed in my close retreat,
Breathing fame, and branding shame:
Evermore it mocks my dream.
Though I wear the purple fine—
All the pomp of Palestine—
Ravens over Gaza scream:
"Delilah!"

And when most I should be gay
For my triumph,—lo! my sight
Darkens in another's night,
And accusing voices say:
"Guile may lightly vanquish odds;
But though mortals pay the price
And accept the sacrifice,
Treason's hateful to the gods,
Delilah!"

Samson!—bowing reverent knee
Unto Israel's God and thine—
Did'st thou think I loved not mine?
Unto him I yielded thee!
Yet—O mighty in thy fall!—
Groping still thy God to find,
Bond and bound, bereft and blind,—
Happier thou than she they call
Delilah!