[AB] The origin of "Paradise Regained" has been told authentically. It was suggested in 1665 by Ellwood the Quaker, who sometimes acted as Milton's amanuensis, and it was finished and shown to Ellwood in 1666, though not published till 1671. Neither in majesty of conception or in charm of style can it compare with "Paradise Lost," to which it is, as has been said, a codicil and not a sequel. The Temptation, the reader feels, was but an incident in the life of Christ and in the drama of the "ways of God to man," which "Paradise Lost" introduced with such stupendous imaginative power. Much of the poem is but a somewhat ambling paraphrase and expansion of Scriptural narratives; but there are passages where Milton resumes his perfect mastery of poetic form, under the inspiration that places him among the selectest band of immortal singers. Samson Agonistes[AC] _Persons in the Drama_ SAMSON MANOA, _the father of Samson_ DALILA, _his wife_ HURAPHA, _of Gath_ PUBLIC OFFICER MESSENGER _Chorus of Danites_ _The scene is placed before the prison in Gaza_. SAMSON: A little onward send thy guiding hand To these dark steps, a little further on; For yonder bank hath choice of sun or shade. There I am wont to sit, when any chance Relieves me from my task of servile toil. Daily in the common prison else enjoined me, Where I, a prisoner chained, scarce freely draw The air, imprisoned also, close and damp, Unwholesome draught. But here I feel amends The breath of Heaven fresh blowing, pure and sweet, With day-spring born; here leave me to respire. This day a solemn feast the people hold To Dagon, their sea-idol, and forbid Laborious works. Hence, with leave Retiring from the popular noise, I seek This unfrequented place to find some ease-- Oh, wherefore was my birth from Heaven foretold Twice by an angel, if I must die Betrayed, captive, and both my eyes put out, Made of my enemies the scorn and gaze? O worse than chains, Dungeon, or beggary, or decrepit age! Light, the prime work of God, to me is extinct, And all her various objects of delight Annulled, which might in part my grief have eased. O dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon, Irrevocably dark, total eclipse Without all hope of day! O first created beam, and thou great Word, "Let there be light, and light was over all," Why am I thus bereaved thy prime decree? The Sun to me is dark And silent as the Moon, When she deserts the night, Hid in her vacant inter-lunar cave.