Find the perfect quote to float your boat. Shmoop breaks down key quotations from Samson Agonistes.
Religion Quotes
SAMSON: This day a solemn feast the people hold to Dagon thir Sea-Idol, and forbid laborious works, unwillingly this rest their superstition yields me (12-15)
Suffering Quotes
SAMSON: I seek this unfrequented place to find some ease, ease to the body some, none to the mind from restless thoughts, that like a deadly swarm of hornets arm'd, no sooner found alone, but rush...
Guilt and Blame Quotes
SAMSON: Let me not rashly call in doubt Divine Prediction; what if all foretold had been fulfilled but through mine own default, whom have I to complain of but my self? (44-46).
Strength and Skill Quotes
SAMSON: O glorious strength put to the labour of a Beast, debas't lower than bondslave! (36-38)
Fate and Free Will Quotes
SAMSON: O wherefore was my birth from Heaven foretold twice by an angel, who at last in sight of both my parents all in flames ascended...? (23-25)
Mortality Quotes
SAMSON: To live a life half dead, a living death, and buried; but O yet more miserable! My self, my Sepulcher, a moving Grave, buried, yet not exempt by privilege of death and burial from worst oth...
Marriage Quotes
CHORUS: Yet truth to say, I oft have heard men wonder why thou shouldst wed Philistian women rather that of thine own tribe (215-216)
Change Quotes
SAMSON: Ask for this great Deliverer now, and find him eyeless in Gaza at the Mill with slaves, himself in bonds under Philistine yoke (40-42)