Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/213

The desolation of a Hostile City.
Mess.Feed on that first, there may in grief be surfet.
Man.Relate by whom.Mess.By Samson.Man.That still lessens
The sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.
Mess.Ah Manoa I refrain, too suddenly
To utter what will come at last too soon;
Lest evil tidings with too rude irruption
Hitting thy aged ear should pierce too deep.
Man.Suspense in news is torture, speak them out.1570
Mess.Then take the worst in brief, Samson is dead.
Man.The worst indeed, O all my hope's defeated
To free him hence! but death who sets all free
Hath paid his ransom now and full discharge.
What windy joy this day had I conceiv'd
Hopeful of his Delivery, which now proves
Abortive as the first-born bloom of spring
Nipt with the lagging rear of winters frost.
Yet e're I give the reins to grief, say first,
How dy'd he? death to life is crown or shame.1580