Handel Samson (HWV 57, 1743)

Original source: http://opera.stanford.edu/iu/libretti/samson.htm.

Georg Friedrich Händel

SAMSON

HWV 57

(1743)

An Oratorio

Words by Newburgh Hamilton

Haendel 1741 Samson , Oratorio Bicket

George Frideric Handel HWV 57 Samson

@Wikipedia, @IMSLP
Performance and video information
Conductor		Harry Bicket
Orchestra		The English Concert
Choir		The New Company (?)
Venue		BBC Proms
Performance date		2009-08-20
Subtitles		English
Performance duration		2h53m48s
Video type		360p 16:9
YouTube uploader		FossoDeiLupi
YouTube upload date		2013-06-06
YouTube deletion date		N/A
Dramatis Personæ
Samson (tenor)		Mark Padmore
Dalila, Wife of Samson (soprano)		Susan Gritton
Micah, Friend to Samson (alto)		Iestyn Davies
Manoah, Father to Samson (bass)		Neal Davies
Harapha, a Giant (bass)		Christopher Purves
Philistine Woman, Attendant to Dalila (soprano)		Lucy Crowe
Israelitish Woman (soprano)		Lucy Crowe
Philistine (tenor)		Ben Johnson
Israelitish Man (tenor)		Ben Johnson
Messenger (tenor)		Ben Johnson
Chorus of Israelites
Chorus of Philistines
Chorus of Virgins
Libretto and links
#	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	The English Concert & The New Company Harry Bicket 2009 2h53m48s
ACT ONE
1	Overture	1-EC 1-EC 1-EC
Scene 1
Before the Prison in Gaza. Samson, blind and in chains. Chorus of the Priests of Dagon, celebrating his festival.
2	Recitative Samson This day, a solemn feast to Dagon held, Relieves me from my task of servile toil; Unwillingly their superstition yields This rest, to breathe heav'n's air, fresh blowing, Pure and sweet.	2-EC
3a	Chorus of Philistines Awake the trumpet's lofty sound! The joyful sacred festival comes round, When Dagon king of all the earth is crown'd.	(3a-EC) 3a-EC
4	Air Philistine Woman Ye men of Gaza, hither bring The merry pipe and pleasing string, The solemn hymn, and cheerful song; Be Dagon prais'd by ev'ry tongue!	(4-EC) 4-EC
3b	Chorus of Philistines Awake the trumpet's lofty sound! The joyful sacred festival comes round, When Dagon king of all the earth is crown'd.	3b-EC
5	Air Philistine Loud as the thunder's awful voice, In notes of triumph, notes of praise, So high great Dagon's name we'll raise: That heav'n and earth may hear how we rejoice!
6	Air Philistine Woman Then free from sorrow, free from thrall, All blithe and gay, With sports and play, We'll celebrate his festival.
3c	Chorus of Philistines Awake the trumpet's lofty sound! The joyful sacred festival comes round, When Dagon king of all the earth is crown'd.
7	Recitative Samson Why by an angel was my birth foretold, As in a fiery column ascending From off the altar, in my parents' sight? As of a person separate to God? If I must die, betray'd and captiv'd thus, The scorn and gaze of foes? Oh, cruel thought! My griefs find no redress! They inward prey, Like gangren'd wounds, immedicable grown.	7-EC
8	Air Samson Torments, alas, are not confin'd To heart, or head, or breast! But will a secret passage find Into the very inmost mind, With pains intense opprest, That rob the soul itself of rest.	(8-EC) 8-EC 8/With-EC
Scene 2
Enter Micah and Israelites, observing Samson.
9	Recitative Micah (apart) Oh, change beyond report, thought, or belief! See, how he lies with languish'd head, unpropt, Abandon'd, past all hope! Can this be he, Heroic Samson, whom no strength of man, Nor fury of the fiercest beast could quell? Who tore the lion, as the lion tears the kid, Ran weaponless on armies clad in iron, Useless the temper'd steel, or coat of mail.	9-EC
10	Air Micah Oh, mirror of our fickle state! In birth, in strength, in deeds how great! From highest glory fall'n so low, Sunk in the deep abyss of woe!	10-EC 10/From-EC
11	Recitative Samson (apart) Whom have I to complain of but myself, Who Heav'n's great trust could not in silence keep, But weakly to a woman must reveal it! Oh, glorious strength! Oh, impotence of mind! But without wisdom, what does strength avail? Proudly secure, yet liable to fall? God (when he gave it) hung it in my hair, To show how slight the gift. — But, peace, my soul! Strength was my bane, the source of all my woes, Each told apart would ask a life to wail. Micah (to Samson) Matchless in might! once Israel 's glory, now her grief! Welcome, thy friends well known, to visit thee! Samson Welcome, my friends! Experience teaches now, How counterfeit the coin of friendship is, That's only in the superscription shown. In the warm sunshine of our prosp'rous days, Friends swarm; but in the winter of adversity, Draw in their heads; though sought, not to be found. Micah Which shall we first bewail, Thy bondage, or lost sight? Samson O loss of sight, of thee I most complain! Oh, worse than beggary, old age, or chains! My very soul in real darkness dwells!	11-EC
12	Air Samson Total eclipse! No sun, no moon! All dark amidst the blaze of noon! Oh, glorious light! No cheering ray To glad my eyes with welcome day! Why thus depriv'd Thy prime decree? Sun, moon, and stars are dark to me!	(12-EC) 12-EC
13	Accompagnato Micah Since light so necessary is to life That in the soul 'tis almost life itself, Why to the tender eyes is sight confin'd, So obvious and so easy to be quench'd; Why not as feelings through all parts diffus'd, That we might look at will through every pore?	13-EC
14	Chorus of Israelites O first created beam! And thou great word! "Let there be light!" — And light was over all, One heav'nly blaze shone round this earthly ball. To thy dark servant, life, by light afford!	(14-EC) 14-EC 14/Light-EC 14/O_first-EC 14/Light-EC 14/One-EC 14/To-EC
15	Recitative Samson Ye see, my friends, how woes enclose me round. But had I sight, how could I heave my head For shame? Thus, for a word, or tear, divulge To a false woman God's most secret gift, And then be sung, or proverb'd for a fool! Micah The wisest men have err'd, and been deceiv'd By female arts. Deject not then thyself, Who hast of griefs a load: yet men will ask, Why did not Samson rather wed at home? In his own tribe are fairer, or as fair. Samson Oh that I had! Alas, fond wish, too late! That specious monster, Dalila, my snare! Myself the cause, who vanquish'd by her tears, Gave up my fort of silence to a woman. Micah Here comes thy rev'rend sire, old Manoah, With careful steps, and locks as white as down. Samson Alas! Another grief that name awakes.	15-EC
Scene 3
Enter Manoah.
15+	Manoah Brethren and men of Dan, say, where is my son, Samson, fond Israel's boast? Inform my age! Micah As signal now in low dejected state, As in the height of pow'r. — See, where he lies!	15+-EC
16	Accompagnato Manoah Oh, miserable change! Is this the man, Renown'd afar, the dread of IsraeI's foes? Who with an angeI's strength their armies duell'd, Himself an army! — Now unequal match To guard his breast against the coward's spear!	16-EC
17	Recitative Israelitish Man Oh, ever failing trust in mortal strength! And oh, what not deceivable and vain in man!
18	Air Israelitish Man God of our fathers, what is man? So proud, so vain, so great in story! His fame a blast, his life a span, A bubble at the height of glory! Oft he that is exalted high, Unseemly falls in human eye.
19	Accompagnato Manoah The good we wish for, often proves our bane. I pray'd for children, and I gain'd a son, And such a son, as all men hail'd me happy. But who'd be now a father in my stead? The blessing drew a scorpion's tail behind; This plant (select and sacred for awhile, The miracle of all!) was in one hour Ensnar'd, assaulted, overcome, led bound, His foes' derision, captive, poor, and blind!	19-EC
20	Air Manoah Thy glorious deeds inspir'd my tongue, Whilst airs of joy from thence did flow. To sorrows now I tune my song, And set my harp to notes of woe.	(20-EC) 20-EC (20/To-EC) 20/To-EC
21	Recitative Samson Justly these evils have befalI'n thy son; Sole author I, sole cause, who have profan'd The mysteries of God; by me betray'd To faithless parlies, feminine assaults! To the false fair I yielded all my heart; So far effeminacy held me yok'd Her slave. Oh, foul indignity, oh blot To honour and to arms! Manoah Worse yet remains. This day they celebrate with pomps and sports, And sacrifice to Dagon, idol God, Who gave thee bound and blind into their hands; Thus is he magnified, the living God Blasphem'd and scorn'd by that idolatrous rout. Samson This have I done, this pomp, this honour brought To idol Dagon; but to Israel shame, And our true God disgrace.	21-EC
22	Accompagnato Samson My griefs for this Forbid mine eyes to close, or thoughts to rest. But now the strife shall end: me overthrown, Dagon presumes to enter lists with God, Who, thus provok'd, will not convive, but rouse His fury soon, and his great name assert; Dagon shall stoop, ere long be quite despoil'd Of all those boasted trophies won on me.	22-EC
23	Air Samson Why does the God of Israel sleep? Arise with dreadful sound, And clouds encompass'd round! Then shall the heathen hear thy thunder deep. The tempest of thy wrath now raise, In whirlwinds them pursue, Full fraught with vengeance due, Till shame and trouble all thy foes shall seize!	(23-EC) 23/-EC (23/Tempest-EC) 23/Tempest-EC 23/Why-EC
24	24. Recitative Micah There lies our hope! True prophet may'st thou be, That God may vindicate his glorious name; Nor let us doubt whether God is Lord, or Dagon.	24-EC
25	Chorus of Israelites Then shall they know, that He whose name Jehovah is alone, O'er all the earth but One, Was ever the Most High, and still the same.	25-EC
26	Recitative Manoah For thee, my dearest son, must thou meanwhile Lie, thus neglected, in this loathsome plight? Samson It should be so, to expiate my crime, If possible. Shameful gratuity! Had I reveal'd the secret of a friend, Most heinous that! But impiously to blast God's counsel, is a sin without a name! Manoah Be for thy fate contrite: but oh, my son, To high disposal leave the forfeit due. God may relent, and quit thee all his debt; Reject not then the offer'd means of life. Already have I treated with some lords, To ransom thee. Revenge is sated now, To see thee thus who cannot harm them more. Samson Why should I live? Soon shall these orbs to double darkness yield.	26-EC
27	Accompagnato Samson My genial spirits droop, my hopes are fled; Nature in me seems weary of herself; My race of glory run, and race of shame: Death, invocated oft, shall end my pains, And lay me gently down with them that rest.	27-EC
28	Recitative (air) Micah Then long eternity shall greet your bliss; No more of earthly joys, so false and vain!	28-EC 28/No-EC
29	Air Micah Joys that are pure, sincerely good, Shall then o'ertake you as a flood: Where truth and peace do ever shine, With love that's perfectly divine.	(29-EC) 29-EC 29/Where-EC 29/Where-EC
30	Chorus of Israelites Then round about the starry throne Of Him who ever rules alone, Your heav'nly-guided soul shall climb: Of all this earthly grossness quit, With glory crown'd, for ever sit, And triumph over death, and thee, O Time!	30-EC 30/Your-EC (30/With-EC) 30/With-EC 30/And-EC
ACT TWO
Scene 1
Samson, Manoah, Micah, and Israelites.
31	Recitative Manoah Despair not thus! You once were God's delight, His destin'd from the womb, by him led on To deeds above the nerve of mortal arm. Under his eye abstemious you grew up, Nor did the dancing ruby, sparkling, outpour'd, Allure you from the cool crystalline stream. Samson Where'er the liquid brook or fountain flow'd, I drank, nor envy'd man the cheering grape. But what availed this temp'rance, not complete Against another object more enticing? I laid my strength in lust's lascivious lap. Manoah Trust yet in God! Thy father's timely care Shall prosecute the means to free thee hence; Meantime, all healing words from these thy friends admit.	31-EC
32	Air Manoah Just are the ways of God to man, Let none his secret actions scan; For all is best, though oft we doubt, Of what his wisdom brings about. Still his unsearchable dispose Blesses the righteous in the close.	(32-EC) 32-EC 32/Still-EC
33	Recitative Samson My evils hopeless are! One pray'r remains, A speedy death, to close my miseries. Micah Relieve Thy champion, image of Thy strength, And turn his labours to a peaceful end!	33-EC
34	Air and Chorus Micah Return, O God of hosts! Behold Thy servant in distress, His mighty griefs redress, Nor by the heathen be it told. Israelites To dust his glory they would tread, And number him amongst the dead.	(34-EC) 34-EC (34/Micah/His-EC) 34/Micah/His-EC 34/Chorus/To-EC 34/Return-EC 34/To-EC
Scene 2
Samson, Micah. Enter Dalila, attended by her Virgins.
35	Recitative Micah But who is this, that so bedeck'd and gay, Comes this way sailing like a stately ship? With all her streamers waving in the winds, An odorous perfume her harbinger, A damsel train behind. — 'Tis Dalila, thy wife. Samson My wife, my traitress? Let her not come near me! Micah She stands, and eyes thee fix'd, with head declin'd. Like a fair flow'r surcharg'd with dew, she weeps; Her words address'd to thee, seem tears dissolv'd, Wetting the borders of her silken veil. Dalila With doubtful feet, and wav'ring resolution, I come, O Samson, dreading thy displeasure; But conjugal affection led me on, Prevailing over fear and tim'rous doubt, Glad if in aught my help or love could serve, To expiate my rash, unthought misdeed. Samson Out, thou hyæna! 'Twas malice brought thee here! These are the arts of women false like thee, To break all vows, repent, deceive, submit, Then with instructed skill again transgress. The wisest men have met such bosom snakes, BeguiI'd like me, to ages an example. Dalila I would not lessen my offence, yet beg To weigh it by itself. What is it then But curiosity? A small female fault, Greedy of secrets, but to publish them. Why would you trust a woman's frailty then, And to her importunity your strength? A mutual weakness mutual pardon claims. Samson How cunningly the sorceress displays Her own transgressions, to upbraid me mine! I to myself was false, ere thou to me; Bitter reproach, but true! The pardon, then, I to my folly give, take thou to thine!	35-EC 35/Dalila/With-EC
36	Air Philistine Woman / Dalila With plaintive notes and am'rous moan, Thus coos the turtle left alone. Like her / me, averse to each delight, She wears the tedious widow'd night: But when her absent mate returns, With doubled raptures then she burns.	(36-EC) 36-EC 36/Like-EC 36/But-EC
37	Recitative Dalila Alas! Th'event was worse than I foresaw: Fearless at home of partners in my love, 'Twas jealousy did prompt to keep you there Both day and night, love's pris'ner, wholly mine. Samson Did love constrain thee? No, 'twas raging lust! Love seeks for love; thy treason sought my hate. In vain you strive to cover shame with shame: Once join'd to me, though judg'd your country's foe, Parents, and all, were in the husband lost.	37-EC
38	Air Samson Your charms to ruin led the way, My sense deprav'd, My strength enslavd, As I did love, you did betray. How great the curse, how hard my fate To pass life's sea with such a mate!	(38-EC) 38-EC 38/How-EC
39	Recitative Dalila Forgive what's done, nor think of what's past cure From forth this prison-house come home to me, Where with redoubled love and nursing care, (To me glad office!) my virgins and myself Shall tend about thee to extremest age.	39-EC
40	Air and duet Dalila My faith and truth, O Samson, prove, But hear me, hear the voice of love! With love no mortal can be cloy'd, All happiness is love enjoy'd. Philistine Woman Her faith and truth, O Samson, prove, But hear her, hear the voice of love!	(40-EC) 40-EC 40/Dal/With-EC (40/Phil/Her-EC) 40/Phil/Her-EC
41a	Chorus of Virgins Her faith and truth, O Samson, prove But hear her, hear the voice of love!	(41a-EC) 41a-EC
42	Air Dalila To fleeting pleasures make your court, No moment lose, for life is short! The present now's our only time The missing that our only crime.	(42-EC) 40-EC (40/The-EC) 40/The-EC
41b	[41b. Chorus repeated] How charming is domestic ease! A thousand ways I'll strive to please. Life is not lost, though lost your sight; Let other senses taste delight.	(41b-EC) -EC (41b/Life-EC) 41b/Life-EC
41c	Chorus of Virgins Her faith and truth, oh Samson, prove, But hear her, hear the voice of love!	41c-EC
43	Recitative Samson Ne'er think of that! I know thy warbling charms, Thy trains, thy wiles, and fair enchanted cup. Their force is nulI'd; where once I have been caught, I shun the snare. These chains, this prison-house, I count the house of liberty to thine. Dalila Let me approach, at least, and touch thy hand. Samson Not for thy life, lest fierce remembrance wake My sudden rage to tear thee limb from limb. At distance I forgive: depart with that. Now triumph in thy falsehood; so farewell! Dalila Thou art more deaf to pray'rs than winds or seas. Thy anger rages an etemal tempest. Why should I humbly sue for peace, thus scorn'd, With infamy upon my name denounc'd? When in this land I ever shall be held The first of womankind, living or dead. My praises shall be sung at solemn feasts, Who sav'd my country from a fierce destroyer.	43-EC
	44. Duet Dalila Traitor to love! I'll sue no more For pardon scorn'd, your threats give o'er! Samson Traitress to love! I'll hear no more The charmer's voice, your arts give o'er! Exeunt Dalila and Virgins.	(44-EC) 44-EC
Scene 3
45	Recitative Micah She's gone! A serpent manifest, her sting Discover'd in the end. Samson So let her go! God sent her here to aggravate my folly.	45-EC
46	Air Micah It is not virtue, valour, wit, Or comeliness of grace That woman's love can truly hit, Or in her heart claim place. Still wav'ring where their choice to fix, Too oft they choose the wrong: So much self-love does rule the sex, They nothing else love long. It is not virtue. . . da capo
47	Recitative Samson Favour'd of heaven is he, who finds one true. How rarely found! — His way to peace is smooth.	47-EC
48	Chorus of Israelites To man God's universal law Gave pow'r to keep the wife in awe. Thus shall his life be ne'er dismay'd, By female usurpation sway'd.	48-EC 48/Thus-EC
Scene 4
49	Recitative Micah No words of peace, no voice enchanting fear, A rougher tongue expect. Here's Harapha, I know him by this stride and haughty look. Enter Harapha and Philistines. Harapha I come not, Samson, to condole thy chance; I am of Gath, men call me Harapha; Thou know'st me now. Of thy prodigious might Much have I heard, incredible to me! Nor less displeas'd, that never in the field We met, to try each other's deeds of strength. I'd see if thy appearance answers loud report. Samson The way to know. were not to see, but taste. Harapha Ha! Dost thou then already single me? I thought that labour and thy chains had tam'd thee. Had fortune brought me to that field of death, Where thou wrought'st wonder with an ass's jaw, I'd left thy carcass where the ass lay thrown. Samson Boast not of what thou would'st have done, but do. Harapha The honour certain to have won from thee I lose, prevented by thy eyes put out; To combat with a blind man, I disdain.	49-EC
50	Air Harapha Honour and arms scorn such a foe, Though I could end thee at a blow; Poor victory, To conquer thee, Or glory in thy overthrow! Vanquish a slave that is half slain: So mean a triumph I disdain. Honour and arms. . . da capo	(50-EC) 50-EC 50/Poor-EC (50/Vanquish-EC) 50/Vanquish-EC
51	Recitative Samson Put on your arms, then take for spear Your weighty weaver's beam, and come within my reach!
52	Air Samson My strength is from the living God, By Heav'n free-gifted at my birth, To quell the mighty of the earth, And prove the brutal tyrant's rod. But to the righteous peace and rest, With liberty to all opprest.
53	Recitative Harapha With thee, a man condemn'd, a slave enroll'd, No worthy match to stain the warrior's sword! Samson Cam'st thou for this, vain boaster? Yet take heed! My heels are fetter'd, but my hands are free. Thou bulk of spirit void! I once again, Blind and in chains, provoke thee to the fight! Harapha O Dagon! Can I hear this insolence To me unus'd, not rend'ring instant death?	53/Camst-EC
54	Duet Samson Go, baffled coward, go, Lest vengeance lay thee low, In safety fly my wrath with speed! Harapha Presume not on thy God, Who under foot has trod Thy strength and thee, at greatest need.	(54-EC) 54-EC
55	Recitative Micah Here lies the proof: — if Dagon be thy God, With high devotion invocate his aid, His glory is concern'd. Let him dissolve Those magic spells that gave our hero strength; Then know whose God is God, Dagon, of mortal make, Or that Great One whom Abra'm's sons adore.	55-EC
56	Chorus of Israelites Hear, Jacob's God, Jehovah, hear! Oh, save us, prostrate at thy throne! Israel depends on thee alone, Save us, and show that thou art near!	56-EC
57	Recitative Harapha Dagon, arise, attend thy sacred feast! Thy honour calls, this day admits no rest.	57-EC
58	Air A Philistine To song and dance we give the day, Which shows thy universal sway. Protect us by thy mighty hand. And sweep this race from out the land! To song and dance. . . da capo	(58-EC) 58-EC 58/Protect-EC
59	Chorus of Philistines To song and dance we give the day, Which shows thy universal sway. Protect us by thy mighty hand. And sweep this race from out the land!	(59-EC) 59-EC (59/Protect-EC) 59/Protect-EC
60	Chorus of Israelites and Philistines Fix'd in his everlasting seat, Jehovah / Great Dagon rules the world in state. His thunder roars, Heav'n shakes, and earth's aghast, The stars with deep amaze, Remain in stedfast gaze. Jehovah / Great Dagon is of Gods the first and last.	(60-EC) 60-EC
ACT THREE
Scene 1
Samson, Micah, Harapha and Chorus of Israelites.
61	Recitative Micah More trouble is behind, for Harapha Comes on amain, speed in his steps and look. Samson I fear him not, nor all his giant brood. Enter Harapha. Harapha Samson, to thee our lords thus bid me say: This day to Dagon we do sacrifice With triumph, pomp, and games; we know, thy strength Surpasses human race; come then, and show Some public proof to grace this solemn feast. Samson I am an Hebrew, and our law forbids My presence at their vain religious rites. Harapha This answer will offend; regard thyself. Samson Myself, my conscience and intemal peace! Am I so broke with servitude, to yield To such absurd commands, to be their fool, And play before their God? — I will not come. Harapha My message, giv'n with speed, brooks no delay.	61-EC
62	Air Harapha Presuming slave, to move their wrath! For mercy sue, Or vengeance due Dooms in one fatal word thy death! Consider, ere it be too late, To ward th'unerring shaft of fate.	62-EC (62/Consider-EC) 62/Consider-EC
63	Recitative Micah Reflect then. Samson, matters now are strain'd Up to the height, whether to hold, or break. He's gone, whose malice may inflame the lords. Samson Shall I abuse this consecrated gift Of strength, again returning with my hair, By vaunting it in honour to their god And prostituting holy things to idols? Micah How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach; 'Tis Heav'n alone can save, both us and thee.	63-EC
64	Chorus of Israelites With thunder arm'd, great God, arise! Help, Lord, or Israel's champion dies! To thy protection this thy servant take, And save, oh, save us for thy servant's sake! With thunder arm'd. . . da capo	(64-EC) 64-EC 64/Help-EC (64/To-EC) 64/To-EC
65	Recitative Samson Be of good courage, I begin to feel Some inward motions, which do bid me go. Micah In time thou hast resolv'd, again he comes. Enter Harapha. Harapha Samson, this second summons send our lords: Haste thee at once; or we shall engines find To move thee, though thou wert a solid rock. Samson Vain were their art if tried, I yield to go, Not through your streets be like a wild beast trail'd. Harapha You thus may win the lords to set you free. Samson In nothing I'll comply that's scandalous Or sinful by our law. — Brethren, farewell! Your kind attendance now, I pray, forbear, Lest it offend to see me girt with friends. Expect of me you'll nothing hear impure, Unworthy God, my nation, or myself. Micah So may'st thou act as serves His glory best. Samson Let but that spirit (which first rush'd on me In the camp of Dan) inspire me at my need:	65-EC 65/Brethren-EC
66	Accompagnato Samson Then shall I make Jehovah's glory known! Their idol gods shall from his presence fly, Scatter'd like sheep before the God of hosts.	66-EC
67	Air Samson Thus when the sun from's wat'ry bed All curtain'd with a cloudy red, Pillows his chin upon an orient wave; The wand'ring shadows ghastly pale, All troop to their infemal jail Each fetter'd ghost slips to his sev'ral grave.	(67-EC) 67-EC 67/The-EC
68	Accompagnato Micah With might endu'd above the sons of men, Swift as the lightning's glance His errand execute, And spread His name amongst the heathen round.	68-EC
69	Air and Chorus Micah The Holy One of Israel be thy guide, The Angel of thy birth stand by thy side! To fame immortal go, Heav'n bids thee strike the blow: The Holy One of Israel is thy guide. Israelites To fame immortal go Heav'n bids thee strike the blow The Holy One of Israel is thy guide.	(69/Micah-EC) 69/Micah-EC 69/Israelites-EC
Scene 2
Micah, Manoah, and Chorus of Israelites.
70	Recitative Micah Old Manoah, with youthful steps, makes haste To find his son, or bring us some glad news. Manoah I come, my brethren, not to seek my son, Who at the feast does play before the lords; But give you part with me, what hopes I have To work his liberty.	70-EC
71	Air Philistine, at a distance Great Dagon has subdu'd our foe And brought their boasted hero low: Sound out his pow'r in notes divine Praise him with mirth, high cheer and wine.	(71-EC) 71-EC
72	Chorus of Philistines, at a distance Great Dagon has subdu'd our foe. And brought their boasted hero low: Sound out his pow'r in notes divine Praise him with mirth, high cheer and wine.	72-EC
73	Recitative Manoah What noise of joy was that? It tore the sky. Micah They shout and sing, to see their dreaded foe Now captive, blind, delighting with his strength. Manoah Could my inheritance but ransom him, Without my patrimony, having him The richest of my tribe. Micah Sons care to nurse Their parents in old age; but you, — your son!	73-EC
74	Air Manoah How willing my paternal love The weight to share Of filial care, And part of sorrow's burden prove! Though wand'ring in the shades of night, Whilst I have eyes he wants no light.	(74-EC) 74-EC (74/Though-EC) 74/Though-EC
75	Recitative Micah Your hopes of his deliv'ry seem not vain, In which all Israel's friends participate. Manoah I know your friendly minds, and — A symphony of horror and confusion. Heav'n! What noise! Horribly loud, unlike the former shout.	75-EC 75/Symphony-EC
76	Chorus of Philistines, at a distance Hear us, our God! Oh, hear our cry! Death, ruin, falI'n, no help is nigh, Oh mercy, Heav'n, we sink, we die!	(76-EC) 76-EC
77	Recitative Micah Noise call you this? An universal groan, As if the world's inhabitation perish'd! Blood, death, and ruin, at their utmost point! Manoah Ruin indeed! Oh, they have slain my son! Micah Thy son is rather slaying them; that cry From slaughter of one foe could not ascend. But see, my friends, One hither speeds, an Hebrew of our tribe.	77-EC
Scene 3
Enter a Messenger.
78	Recitative Messenger Where shall I run, or which way fly the thoughts Of this most horrid sight? O countrymen, You're in this sad event too much concem'd! Micah The accident was loud, we long to know from whence. Messenger Let me recover breath; it will burst forth. Manoah Tell us the sum, the circumstance defer. Messenger Gaza yet stands, but all her sons are falI'n. Manoah Sad, not to us! But now relate by whom? Messenger By Samson done. Manoah The sorrow lessens still, And nigh converts to joy. Messenger O Manoah! In vain I would refrain; the evil tale Too soon will rudely pierce thy aged ear. Manoah Suspense in news is torture, speak them out! Messenger Then take the worst in brief — Samson is dead. Manoah The worst indeed! My hopes to free him hence Are baffled all! But death, who sets all free, Hath paid his ransom now. Micah Yet, ere we give the reins to grief, say first How died he? Death to life is crown, or shame. Messenger Unwounded of his enemies he fell, At once he did destroy, and was destroy'd; The edifice, where all were met to see, Upon their heads, and on his own he pulI'd! Manoah Oh, lastly overstrong against thyself! A dreadful way thou took'st to thy revenge: Glorious, yet dearly bought!	78-EC
79	Air and Chorus Micah Ye sons of lsrael, now lament, Your spear is broke, your bow's unbent. Your glory's fled, Amongst the dead Great Samson lies, For ever, ever, clos'd his eyes! Israelites Weep, Israel, weep a louder strain; Samson, your strength, your hero, is slain!	(79-EC) 79-EC 79/Weep-EC
80	Recitative Manoah Proceed we hence to find his body Soak'd in vile Philistine blood; with the pure stream, And cleansing herbs wash off his clodded gore; Then solemnly attend him to my tomb With silent obsequies, and fun'ral train.	80-EC
81	Symphony: dead march	81-EC
82	Recitative Micah The body comes; we'll meet it on the way With laurels ever green, and branching palm; Then lay it in his monument, hung round With all his trophies, and great acts enrolI'd In verse heroic, or sweet lyric song. Manoah There shall all IsraeI's valiant youth resort, And from his memory inflame their breasts To matchless valour, whilst they sing his praise.	82-EC
Enter Israelites with the body of Samson.
83	Air and Chorus Manoah Glorious hero, may thy grave Peace and honour ever have; After all thy pain and woes Rest etemal, sweet repose! Israelites Glorious hero, may thy grave Peace and honour ever have!	(83-EC) 83-EC 83/Chorus-EC
84	Solo and Chorus Israelite Woman The virgins too shall on their feastful days Visit his tomb with flow'rs, and there bewail His lot unfortunate in nuptial choice. Virgins Bring the laurels, bring the bays, Strew his hearse, and strew the ways! Israelite Woman May ev'ry hero fall like thee, Through sorrow to felicity! Virgins Bring the laurels, bring the bays Strew his hearse and strew the ways! Israelites Glorious hero, may thy grave Peace and honour ever have, After all thy pains and woes, Rest etemal, sweet repose!	84-EC 84/Bring-EC 84/May-EC 84/Bring-EC 84/Glorious-EC
85	Recitative Manoah Come, come! No time for lamentation now, No cause for grief; Samson like Samson fell, Both life and death heroic. To his foes Ruin is left; to him eternal fame. Micah Why should we weep or wail, dispraise or blame, Where all is well and fair to quiet us? Praise we Jehovah then, who to the end Not parted from him, but assisted still, 'Till desolation fill'd Philistia's lands, Honour and freedom giv'n to Jacob's seed.	(85-EC) 85-EC
86	Air Israelite Woman Let the bright seraphim in burning row, Their loud, uplifted angel trumpets blow. Let the cherubic host, in tuneful choirs, Touch their immortal harps with golden wires.	(86-EC) 86-EC (86/cherubic-EC) 86/cherubic-EC
87	Chorus of Israelites Let their celestial concerts all unite, Ever to sound his praise in endless blaze of light.	(87-EC) 87-EC 87/Ever-EC

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There is also
a video of the same BBC Proms broadcast,
but which includes the BBC commentary on the program.
It runs 3h35m.

Other performances:
Monteverdi Choir, Würzburg, video, excerpts 22m