Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/83

Thou never shalt obtain; prediction still
In all things, and all men, supposes means,
Without means us'd, what it predicts revokes.
But say thou wer't possess'd of David's Throne
By free consent of all, none opposite,
Samaritan or Jew; how could'st thou hope
Long to enjoy it quiet and secure,
Between two such enclosing enemies360
Roman and Parthian? therefore one of these
Thou must make sure thy own, the Parthian first,
By my advice, as nearer and of late
Found able by invasion to annoy
Thy country, and captive lead away her Kings
Antigonus, and old Hyrcanus bound,
Maugre the Roman: it shall be my task
To render thee the Parthian at dispose;
Chuse which thou wilt, by conquest or by league.
By him thou shalt regain, without him not,370
That which alone can truly reinstall thee