The circumscription of time wherein the
whole Drama begins and ends, is according to antient rule, and best
example, within the space of 24 hours.
ARGUMENT
The Argument
Samson made Captive, Blind, and now in the Prison at Gaza, there
to labour as in a common work-house, on a Festival day, in the general
cessation from labour, comes forth into the open Air, to a place nigh,
somewhat retir'd there to sit a while and bemoan his condition.
Where he happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals
of his tribe, which make the Chorus, who seek to comfort him what they
can; then by his old Father Manoa, who endeavours the like, and withal
tells him his purpose to procure his liberty by ransom; lastly, that
this Feast was proclaim'd by the Philistins as a day of Thanksgiving
for thir deliverance from the hands of Samson, which yet more troubles
him. Manoa then departs to prosecute his endeavour with the Philistian
Lords for Samson's redemption; who in the mean while is visited by
other persons; and lastly by a publick Officer to require his coming
to the Feast before the Lords and People, to play or shew his strength
in thir presence; he at first refuses, dismissing the publick
Officer with absolute denyal to come; at length perswaded inwardly
that this was from God, he yields to go along with him, who came now
the second time great threatnings to fetch him; the Chorus yet
remaining on the place, Manoa returns full of joyful hope, to
procure e're long his Sons deliverance: in the midst of which
discourse an Ebrew comes in haste confusedly at first; and afterward
more distinctly relating the Catastrophe, what Samson had done to
the Philistins, and by accident to himself; wherewith the Tragedy
ends.
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