The John Milton Library

In which the poet’s grand design unfolds in noble verse unbound by rhyme, seeking to restore ancient liberty and noble measure to the heroic poem. With humility and admiration, the reader contemplates the lofty subject and majestic style, marveling at the poet’s strength to sing of celestial matters with gravity and ease.

In which the resolute Samson prepares to face his captors with unwavering obedience to his vow and steadfast hope, whilst his father Manoa ardently petitions for his redemption amidst stirring omens. The tale unfolds to reveal a grand and final spectacle of strength and sacrifice that culminates in a profound deliverance wrought through great travail, leaving both lamentation and honour in its wake.

In which Samson reflects upon the bitter consequences of misplaced trust and the deceptive nature of beauty, engaging in a proud and defiant discourse with the Philistine giant Harapha, who mocks his blindness and challenges his might. And in the midst of these confrontations, a commanding messenger arrives, delivering an imperial summons for Samson to display his strength at the feast of Dagon, which he solemnly resolves to refuse, pondering the sacredness of his vow against the profanation of idolatries.

In which the mournful discourse unfolds between Samson and Dalila, revealing the bitter estrangement born of broken trust and conflicting loyalties, framed by solemn reflections on love, duty, and the grievous weight of mistaken zeal. The lamentations and reproaches pass back and forth, painting a somber picture of pain and pride interwoven, as both seek solace or justification amidst their sufferings.

In which Dalila seeks to mitigate her offence by appealing to shared human weakness and the compelling power of love, urging Samson towards pardon with a mingling of contrition and reasoned excuse. In turn, Samson rebuffs her plea with stern judgment, condemning deceit and betrayal as beyond the pale of mere frailty, while Dalila recounts the weighty pressures and solemn duties that swayed her to her deed.

In which the Chorus meditates upon the burdens and sufferings ordained by divine providence, particularly upon those chosen for great purposes, lamenting their frequent descent into adversity, before observing the approach of Dalila, arrayed in splendour and bearing tokens of penitence. And Samson, steeped in mistrust and recalling her past treacheries, rebuffs her attempts at reconciliation, foreseeing the perils that forgiveful hearts may encounter when deceived by false repentance.

In which the fallen Champion, lamenting his lost strength and blindness, confesses the deep anguish and despair that torment both his body and soul despite his once miraculous temperance and divine favour. His discourse with a compassionate friend reveals a heart burdened with doubts of mercy and a fervent wish for swift release from unceasing misery, reflecting the sombre weight of forsaken glory and unrelenting pain.

In which the fallen Samson confesses his grievous errors and mourns the dishonour brought upon his God through his weakened faith and ill counsel, expressing a sombre hope for divine vindication against idolatry. The discourse between him, his Father, and the Chorus reveals a poignant struggle between penitence and despair, as they contemplate fate, forgiveness, and the frailty of mortal resolve.

In which the once-mighty Samson lies captive and blind, lamenting the grievous consequences of his own faltering faith and folly that led to his downfall, while a visiting man reflects mournfully on the frailty of mortal strength and the irony of divine gifts turned to sorrow. The discourse unfolds amid sorrowful recognition of past glories now faded, and the heavy shame cast upon Samson and his house by his enemies’ festal blasphemy.

In which the valiant Samson recounts the impassioned choices of his heart and the grievous consequences thereof, lamenting both the failure of Israel’s leaders to recognise divine providence and the stubborn ingratitude of his countrymen. Together with his Chorus, he reflects upon the justice of God’s ways and the intricate troubles of mortal understanding, as well as the heavy burdens attendant on deliverance and the frailty of human counsel.

In which the Chorus beholds Samson in a forlorn and dispirited state, lamenting the tragic shift from his former heroic might and renown to a grievous captivity compounded by blindness and despair. They approach with gentle sympathy and counsel, as Samson reflects on the frailty of friendship, the torment of his shame, and the folly of trusting deceitful love, while the Chorus advises moderation in self-reproach and wonders at the causes of his downfall.

In which Samson, confined and blind, muses solemnly upon his grievous condition, reflecting on the bitter contrast between his once-godlike strength and present imprisonment, while wrestling with thoughts of destiny, loss, and the burden of his own failings. In this somber solitude before the prison in Gaza, he seeks respite from the noisy festivities of his captors, grappling with the darkness that now envelops both his body and soul.

In which the nature and dignity of Tragedy are thoughtfully expounded, affirming its moral and cathartic purpose through the stirring of pity and fear, whilst acknowledging the ancient models and the careful structure observed in this dramatic poem. The argument presented introduces the grievous plight of Samson, depicting his captivity and blindness, the solace sought in companionship, and the solemn events culminating on a day set aside by his foes in thanksgiving.

In which the struggle betwixt outward conformity and the liberty of truth is pondered, emphasising the peril of rigid uniformity and the virtue of tolerating diverse Christian opinions that need not sunder the unity of spirit. The discourse moves to lament the harsh suppression of new voices in reformation, urging patient debate and warning against the perils of licensing, which risks silencing truth and favouring monopolistic interests under the guise of order.

In which the author reflects upon the dangers of ecclesiastical licensing that stifles the free pursuit of truth and learning among clergy and laity alike, warning against an imposed uniformity that hinders the rich diversity of inquiry and opinion vital to spiritual and intellectual growth. He exhorts the English nation, blessed with liberty and a spirited intellect, to cherish their freedom to know, utter, and argue according to conscience, fostering an open and patient discourse that serves the continued reformation and illumination of the Church.

In which the liberties of reason and choice granted by divine Providence are extolled as the foundation of virtue, and the futility of attempting to eradicate sin by mere prohibition of its outward matter is demonstrated with measured reflection. The encumbrances and discouragements imposed by a strict licencing order upon learned men and the free exercise of truth are lamented as both a dishonour to authors and a perilous restraint upon the flourishing of knowledge, forewarning that such a yoke may breed a servitude more grievous than that overcome.

In which the origins and nature of book-licensing are examined with a discerning eye, revealing it as a foreign and tyrannical imposition rather than a beneficent law of well-ordered states, and the exercise of reading is extolled as a necessary engagement with both good and evil for the cultivation of true virtue. The discourse further contemplates the impracticality and futility of controlling all human pleasures and pastimes by licensure, advocating instead for temperance, wise education, and moral persuasion as the true bulwarks against corruption.

In which the author earnestly addresses the Parliament of England, extolling the virtues of civil liberty and the free exchange of ideas while cautioning against the overreach of licensing that stifles learning and truth. He thoughtfully examines the history of book censorship across ancient and Christian societies, revealing the perils of suppressing knowledge and urging a temperate vigilance rather than harsh restraint, lest reason itself be slain.