Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/203

Besides, how vile, contemptible, ridiculous,
What act more execrably unclean, prophane?
Chor.Yet with this strength thou serv'st the Philistines,
Idolatrous, uncircumcis'd, unclean.
Sam.Not in thir Idol-worship, but by labour
Honest and lawful to deserve my food
Of those who have me in thir civil power.
Chor.Where the heart joins not, outward acts defile not.
Sam.Where outward force constrains, the sentence holds1380
But who constrains me to the Temple of Dagon,
Not dragging? the Philistian Lords command.
Commands are no constraints. If I obey them,
I do it freely; venturing to displease
God for the fear of Man, and Man prefer,
Set God behind: which in his jealousie
Shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness.
Yet that he may dispense with me or thee
Present in Temples at Idolatrous Rites
For some important cause, thou needst not doubt. 1390