Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/208

With thee; say reverend Sire, we thirst to hear.
Man.I have attempted one by one the Lords
Either at home, or through the high street passing,
With supplication prone and Fathers tears1470
To accept of ransom for my Son thir pris'ner,
Some much averse I found and wondrous harsh,
Contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite;
That part most reverenc'd Dagon and his Priests,
Others more moderate seeming, but thir aim
Private reward, for which both God and State
They easily would set to sale, a third
More generous far and civil, who confess'd
They had anough reveng'd, having reduc't
Thir foe to misery beneath thir fears,1480
The rest was magnanimity to remit,
If some convenient ransom were propos'd.
What noise or shout was that? it tore the Skie.
Chor.Doubtless the people shouting to behold
Thir once great dread, captive, & blind before them,