Yet thou still fast to thy conceit, Didst chide him softly then and say: "Beforetime thou hast shown deceit, And mocked my quest with idle play, Thou canst not now my wish gainsay." Then with the secret in his thought, He said: "If thou wilt weave my hair, The web withal, the deed is wrought; Thou shalt have all my strength in snare, And I as other men shall fare." Seven locks of him thou tookest and wove The web withal and fastened it, And then the pin thy treason drove, With laughter making all things fit, As did beseem thy cunning wit. [Sidenote: (Delilah still pursueth her designs and Samson beginning to be somewhat wearied hinteth very close to his secret.)] Then the god Dagon speaking by Thy delicate mouth made horrid din; "Lo the Philistine lords are nigh"-- He woke ere thou couldst scarce begin, And took away the web and pin. Yet, saying not it doth suffice, Thou in the chamber's secrecy, Didst with thy artful words entice Samson to give his heart to thee, And tell thee where his strength might be. Pleading, "How canst thou still aver, I love thee, being yet unkind? How is it thou dost minister Unto my heart with treacherous mind, Thou art but cruelly inclined." From early morn to falling dusk, At night upon the curtained bed, Fragrant with spikenard and with musk, For weariness he laid his head, Whilst thou the insidious net didst spread. [Sidenote: (Samson being weakened by lust and overcome by Delilah's importunities and guile telleth her wherein his great strength consisteth.)] Nor wouldst not give him any rest, But vexed with various words his soul, Till death far more than life was blest, Shot through and through with heavy dole, He gave his strength to thy control. Saying, "I am a Nazarite, To God alway, nor hath there yet Razor or shears done despite To these my locks of coarsen jet, Therefore my strength hath known no let." "But, and if these be shaven close, Whereas I once was strong as ten, I may not meet my meanest foes Among the hated Philistine, I shall be weak like other men." He turned to sleep, the spell was done, Thou saidst "Come up this once, I trow The secret of his strength is known; Hereafter sweat shall bead his brow, Bring up the silver thou didst vow." [Sidenote: (Samson having trusted Delilah turneth to sleep whereat her minions with force falleth upon him and depriveth him of his strength.)] They came, and sleeping on thy knees, The giant of his locks was shorn. And Dagon, being now at ease, Cried like the harbinger of morn, To see the giant's strength forlorn.