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By Miss Sarah Cohen.
BRIGHT and unclouded was the
sky, and joyous and glad did the fair city of Gaza
appear that day. Gay groups thronged the streets,
and strains of merry music sounded cheerily.
Thousands of jocund voices sent forth the exulting
shout, “Rejoice, Philistines! rejoice, for our
destroyer is now delivered into our hands.” And
gladsome were the responsive shouts from the
assembled crowds, “Rejoice! rejoice! since no more
can our adversary work us harm.” And loudly were
re-echoed these animating words of triumph and
tumultuous gladness. “Let this day be one of joy
and festivity,” was heard through the streets as the
united voice of unnumbered multitudes.
Long had Philistia dreaded the
prowess of Israel’s champion; but now he was bereft
of his unconquerable strength, and he lay powerless
in the dungeon of his captors. These, therefore, had
<<306>>resolved to celebrate their triumph in the
manner suited to their gross ideas; and the
appointed day, of which we speak, had set in fair
and bright, as though the elements had combined to
add zest to the hilarity of the people of Gaza.
Crowded were the streets which led to the temple of
Dagon with the worshippers of that insensate
divinity, and loudly arose from them, as they
passed on, the cry of “Praises to the great Dagon!
praise him, ye people! for he hath given your enemy
into your hands, and ye have rendered powerless by
his help that once mighty arm, who so often wrought
your destruction.”
Most auspiciously had that
festal day unclosed its light; gloriously the
brilliant sun began his refulgent course; sweetly
was the morning air filled with perfume from the
dew-covered flowers; and the sultry heat of the
summer season was mitigated by a cooling breeze.
From early dawn, therefore, gay assemblies of youths
and maidens were moving in the merry dance, to the
aspiring sound of pipe and tabret, under the shade
of the wide-spreading branches of the sycamore trees
of the public walks, whilst all around them was
mirth and festivity; because a whole nation rejoiced
in the triumph over the downfall of their once
powerful enemy. And as the day advanced a train of
votaries of more exalted rank, of dignified and
noble appearance, moved with slow and stately step
through the streets in solemn procession, arrayed in
their gorgeous robes of office, on their way to the
temple to assist at the solemnities by which the
people expressed their gratitude to their god; and
after them came, led by priests in rich attire, the
animals which they had devoted for that day’s
offering on the altar of that monstrous deity.
Gaily were the victims
decorated, their horns encircled with wreaths of
greens; and resplendent with gold and precious
stones were the rich sacerdotal robes in which the
priests of that unconscious object of adoration
ministered on that day; because full many had been
the gifts bestowed on them in silver, and gold, and
jewels, and costly spices, and splendid raiments;
for had it not been owing—so thought their
followers—to their earnest and incessant
supplications that their god had at length proved
propitious in ridding them of their foe? And how
could such an important service be sufficiently
estimated and rewarded by a grateful people?
<<307>>
Loudly now pealed through the
lofty fane the joyous hymn of praise to the false
god; and costly incense, without stint or measure,
fumed from many a golden censer, whilst hundreds
were the sacrifices which burned on the altars of
the lifeless and grotesque idol which the
Philistines worshipped. When the idolatrous rites
were ended, again resounded on all sides the shouts
of mad exultation; nobles, and priests, too joined
in the shout of gladness, the intoxication of
triumph prevailing for once over the habitual
reserve of their demeanour and the excitement of the
common people acting on them with the power of
contagion.
“Praise ye the great Dagon!”
shouted the priests, “praise ye our mighty god!” and
the response was, “Great is the mighty Dagon;
glorious is his power, which hath prevailed over our
foe.”
In his dungeon sat the captive
chief, lone and unnoticed. He, on account of whose
overthrow the whole land of Philistia rejoiced, had
on that day received a respite from his toil, for
his taskmasters too participated with the rest of
the community in the general rejoicing. And there he
sat, on a heap of rushes, which served for his couch
on the damp stone floor, barely a wreck of his
former self. Dismal and dreary was that dungeon
room; not one ray of light could struggle into its
barred and grated window;—but this is nought to its
solitary tenant, to him there is now no day, no
night. No parent’s, no brother’s friendly smile
shall gladden his heart any more, nor maybe hope
that he shall walk outward in time to come, freed
from his prison, and view again the land of his
birth. Such joys are not for him; for the light of
his eyes has been quenched by his triumphant
captors. Sad, therefore, were the meditations of
this fallen one, and bitter the retrospect of the
past. Was he not the mighty and invincible
chieftain, by whose single hand thousands had
fallen? Had he not borne on his shoulders the gates
of a city, in laughing mockery of those who had
thought themselves secure of their prey? Where now
was that gigantic power, that superhuman strength?
All flown—all vanished. But a little time since was
he the ruler of his people; now he is a sightless,
helpless captive, compelled to grind at a mill in
his darkness. And oh! What has wrought that sad
change? “Alas! alas!” said that solitary prisoner,
“my own folly—my own transgressions have brought
<<308>>me so low. Manifold have been my faults and
sins, and just is my punishment. I, the one
appointed, ere I was born, by the Most High, as the
foremost in the glorious work of the deliverance of
my people—how unworthy have I proved myself of that
high destiny! Have I not disregarded his holy will
whenever it interfered with the gratification of my
unbridled passions? Did I not in my willfulness,
regarding naught save the indulgence of my
headstrong inclinations, ally myself to the daughter
of a heathen, all unmindful of parental
remonstrances? And even now, when the wisdom of more
mature years should have taught me to control my
impetuous passions, I have sinfully yielded to the
flatteries of a false wanton, till with her
deceitful caresses and sweet persuasive entreaties
she has wrung frond me the secret of that power
which was confided to me by the One Omnipotent for
the fulfillment of his purposes. And what is the
result of my fatal revelation? Ah! it is the
defilement of my consecrated head by the polluting
steel of the Philistine, and the sad and total loss
of my once wondrous strength and priceless sight.
And she—that false one—regardless of her tender
vows, her hollow professions of enduring and ardent
love, has for the sake of a little paltry shining
dross surrendered me to captivity and darkness!
Vile, mercenary, Wanton! thus
to betray one who so ardently loved, so fondly
trusted all to thee! O, how madly did I love that
deceitful beauty, in my folly and sin, and now I am
so sorely punished. Great God! Thou art just, and I
richly merit all that has befallen me. Yet, O my
God! pardon thy erring creature, I beseech Thee,
forgive me my transgressions, for deeply and
bitterly do I mourn them. Many though they be, let
them not be remembered any more against me, I humbly
entreat thee, O Lord!” And fervently and long he
prayed.
The day was now advancing; but
still the revel continued, and the great ones of the
land were feasting in an edifice which had been
erected by one of the nobles for a banquet hall; and
right well did its spacious and lofty dimensions
agree with the magnificence of its decorations. The
guests reclined on cushions of downy softness, the
coverings of which were of crimson and gold. The
tables were spread with the choicest delicacies, and
the costly wines went freely round. And when their
heads became heated with the exhilarating draughts
which they so copiously <<309>>swallowed, their
hearts were filled with cruel wantonness, and they
desired to feast their eyes with the sight of their
once formidable enemy, in his abject and fallen
condition, and to enjoy the sport which his impotent
rage, excited by the insults and gibes of the
assembled population, would afford them. The command
was therefore given to bring him thither from his
dungeon; and with alacrity and joy was the mandate
obeyed. The willing messengers quickly reached the
prison-house, and soon were the prayers of the
captive chief interrupted by the sounds of their
heavy footsteps echoing through the arched vaults of
the dreary passages. The bolts were withdrawn, and
slowly the creaking door turned on its hinges.
“Oh!” mentally, then,
ejaculated Samson, “that this may be the summons to
my death!” But the rough jailor entered. “Rise,” he
said; “I am charged with a message from our nobles,
to deliver thee into the custody of the guards, who
are here awaiting thy coming; for this is the day
appointed for thanksgiving to our gods for our
success in conquering thee, and our lords desire to
behold their mighty captive. Come, then, thou
puissant ruler! thou invincible hero! come on
quickly; the command of our lords may not brook
delay.” Indignant at this insolence, the captive
starts up suddenly, forgetting his enfeebled state;
he aims a blow at the spot whence he thinks the
voice proceeds; but a long, loud, and contemptuous
laugh greets his ear, as heavily and feebly his hand
falls by his side; and far aside from the scorning
speaker had the blow been aimed. “Ha! ha! Where now
is thy boasted strength? Thou takest surely a
skilful and certain aim,” said one of the guard. But
he was doomed to disappointment in his expectation
of rousing again the prisoner to unavailing fury;
for a sad feeling of helplessness had taken the
place of anger in Samson’s heart, and he walked
between his tormentors, regardless of their mocking
and sarcastic words.
Soon were the portals of the
prison passed, and he trod once more the open
streets, and breathed again the fresh, free air. But
small was the relief that this change afforded the
miserable man, for a jeering populace greeted his
appearance with mocking and hooting, and foul was
the language and gross the abuse that from every
side reached his ear. What a contrast did the
present afford to that day when, bursting from his
hands the restraining bonds that confined them, he,
with the bone of an <<310>>ass (snatched up at
random, as his sole weapon,) had put troops of his
enemies to flight, and, with his single arm, covered
the field with their slain. How terribly beautiful
had he then appeared; his long, flowing hair falling
in curling, jetty waves down to his shoulders—his
eyes sparkling, and cheeks glowing with the
excitement of the victory gained by him singly over
such unequal numbers! Who could have recognised that
warlike figure, terrible as the angel of death, in
that dejected, emaciated form, with aspect of
hopeless despair—with those short, tangled,
neglected locks, and those eyeless sockets? His
whole countenance bespoke the full realization of
utter misery; and the sordid prison-garb, too, how
strongly did it contrast with the magnificence of
attire in which he had felt so much pride!
Through the streets of the city
he passively followed the guards, and from far and
near the people gathered to gain a sight of their
fallen foe; but, unmoved by his wretched appearance,
all continued their insulting scoffings and brutal
jests; and, as they passed on in their way to the
banqueting-house, still thicker grew the crowd, and
louder their shoutings and revilings, and many were
the cruel pranks which were played with the
defenseless captive. One of the crowd, more sportive
than his neighbours, placed in his path a ponderous
stone, and loud peals of laughter broke forth when
the subject of this inhuman sport was prostrated by
the unexpected shock, and great was the applause
which was given to him who had thus contributed to
the general amusement, at the expense of their
humbled enemy. Others, as cruel, would come
stealthily beside him, and suddenly thrust at him
with their staffs, and then utter a loud laugh, to
see how that once strong man would start, and how he
would catch at his jeering conductors for support.
But a young boy, who had just approached the spot,
to have, with the rest, a view of the one who had so
recently been the terror of the land, felt his heart
touched with pity at the sufferings of the hapless
prisoner, and, though all around him jeered and
mocked, he wished to alleviate, in some degree, his
miserable condition; so, stepping to his side, he
extended his hand to him, and said: “I will guide
thee to thy destination.” Sweetly did that voice
fall on the ear of that pitiable object of a mob’s
abuse: it was the first word of aught of sympathy he
had heard since that fatal night when he was bereft
<<311>>of liberty, power, and night. With many
thanks for this kind consideration for the
distresses of a fallen enemy, was the offer
accepted, and, led by the youth, he followed the
guards, and was conducted by them to the front of
the banquet-house, where they halted.
Within that sumptuous pile
hundreds had now congregated, and all was music,
mirth, and song. Of high and exalted rank were those
revelers, for they were the great ones of the land;
magnificent was their attire, priceless the
glittering jewels that sparkled on their costly
robes. Without, the assembled multitudes were
engaged in various games of dexterity. The roof of
that stately building was crowded by the spectators
of the sports; but those gazers’ eyes soon sought a
different object, as the tumultuous noise of the
people announced the approach of Samson.
“Now he shall make sport for
us,” was the general acclamation, and quickly were
the games suspended, and hushed were music and song.
Soon all eyes were gazing on him; and gibe, and
sneer, and mocking words were not spared. Though
young and fair women were among the gay feasters,
even they had no pity for him, but vied with their
companions in abuse; or, by their applause, incited
their on to fresh insults. And bitterly wounding
were the well-studied, malicious speeches which
reached his ear from all around.
“Champion of Israel, thy people
wait for their leader; why tarriest thou here?”
would one exclaim. “Thou truly art a wise one, whom
the cunning of a woman couldst entrap!” would says
another. A third, with mocking air of counterfeit
terror, would cry, “Fly, fly, ye Philistines, before
ye are all destroyed by the power of this hero’s
arm!” A fourth, a fifth, ay, countless voices,
poured out their deriding abuse. Nor did the boy
escape his share of scornful reproach; but, though
many contemptuous and offensive epithets had been
bestowed on him, he still continued his kindly
attention to the former judge of Israel. After a
while the throng of feasters abandoned their
amusement of tormenting the mutilated captive (that
honourable occupation being left to the crowds
without), and resumed their interrupted festivities.
Again the sweet strains of music sounded through
that temple of revelry; once more the wine-cup went
round; and from time to time would they look out on
the cruel sport of those outside, and applaud each
new indignity offered, each barbarous prank that was
played off on <<312>>the defenseless and unresisting
prisoner. And she, the betrayer, felt she no
compunction, no remorse for the part she had acted?
No, no: surrounded by a crowd of flatterers, who
praised her skill, she gloried in the arts which had
beguiled the ruler of Israel.
Full well aware of their design
of rousing him to unavailing fury, Samson replied
not to sarcasm or contumely. Though indignation was
swelling his heart, he scorned to gratify the malice
of his persecutors by suffering it to appear by
speech or gesture, so that his tormentors were
disappointed of much of their anticipated amusement;
for though he felt as if suffocating from the
restraint, he resolutely withheld from expressing
his bitter, bitter feelings of humiliation and
wounded pride, or to afford them fresh sources of
amusement by a display of impotent rage at their
indignities. Oh! that terrible, that bitter
realization of his degraded state he now felt. He a
scorn and derision, his name a proverb, himself an
object of contemptuous sport! To this has he fallen!
Even so. “Great God!” inwardly prayed he, “pardon my
sins and follies, for sore and heavy, though just is
my punishment.”
He bowed his head, and though
frequent were bitter taunting words spoken to him by
the young nobles, as, they passed to and from the
banquet, and though the crowd still continued their
mockery and yellings, he appeared to take no heed of
them, but seemed in their eyes to bend in sullen
despair, while in truth he was in earnest
supplication to the One who turneth not from the
penitent.
As he stood there, more feeble
grew his whole frame, and paler grew his wan face;
and scarcely could his trembling limbs sustain their
weight. In tremulous accents he spoke to the youth,
who yet remained near him: “I entreat thee,” said
he, to suffer me to least against the pillars of
this house, for no longer can I endure this
overpowering weariness; I beg of thee to lead nee
there, that I may find a little rest.” “The road is
straight before thee,” shouted a voice from the
crowd; “thou canst find thy way there without help.”
But the boy boldly said, “It is but a small request
the prisoner asks; let it be granted; see ye not he
faints?” And taking him by the hand, he led him
within the front of the building, and placed him by
one of the marble columns, followed by the scornful revilings of the populace, for thus assisting the
one <<313>>who had so recently been the terror of
the land; and many were the insults that were heaped
on. that fallen one, in scorn of his feebleness. As he leaned
against the pillar, again, in the anguish of his
heart he prayed. “Oh, God of Israel!” said he, once
more I humbly beseech Thee, blot out all record of
my foolishness and transgressions. I pray Thee, let
them not testify against me; and grant, I implore
Thee, thy servant a speedy death, for dreary and
sorrowful is his way now.” Whilst he prayed, fresh
abuse met his ear; and with his heart swelling with
emotion—“Oh, for one moment’s time of my lost
power—but one little moment’s time,” said he. Just
then the loud strains of their pagan hymns broke
forth from a train of priests, who had repaired to
the spot to behold the public exhibition of the
captive; for quickly had the news spread. As the
praises of their false gods met his ear—“Oh, Lord
God!” he said, “let them not say that the power of
their gods hath prevailed. Show them thy might; and
this once I pray Thee, only this once, strengthen my
arm, that they may see how unable are their gods to
protect them, and that I may yet become the avenger
of myself on my enemies for my two eyes.”
He ceased. But what new
sensations instantaneously dart through his frame?
Surely his prayer is granted. Through his shrunken
veins he feels the warm blood coursing in impetuous
torrents; his relaxed nerves regain their
elasticity; his bent and nerveless form becomes
animated with renewed vigour, and flushed grew his
pale cheek with the consciousness of invincible
power. Once again he spoke to the kindly youth
beside him:— “I return thee many thanks,” he said,
“for the kindness thou hast shown me this day; but I
have yet one more request to make; I would entreat
thee for a little water to moisten my parched lips.”
The youth at once prepared himself to comply, though
distant was the fount, and though as before the
people jeered at his compliance. “Oh, thou fool!”
shouted one, “to regard the word of such as he. Why
not let that fellow want till he passes the fount on
his way back to the prison-house?” “Ah! ah!” said
another, “though that fool ran so quickly on thy
errand, think not it is for thee he brings the
water; for we will have it from him. Far more
fitting he should bear it for us than for one like
thee, who art now the scorn of our meanest slave.”
Samson <<314>>spoke not, and stood still and calm,
as if he heard not their words.
In hopes of meeting the general
approbation, a witty jester from amongst the crowd
now stepped briskly forward in front of the captive;
but scarce had the first words of his sportive gibe
escaped his lips, ere horror-stricken he started
back, his purpose entirely forgotten, as with the
rest he gazed on the changed figure that stood there
before them.
A smile of mingled contempt and
proud defiance was on Samson’s lip; his whole frame
seemed dilated. No one could have recognised the
spiritless, abject captive, in the form before them,
save by that squalid attire and those eyeless
sockets; for so altered was his whole demeanour,
that it might well have been deemed that another
being stood there. No longer was it the trembling,
powerless, fainting captive. No; for there he stood
erect, with energies, vigour, and force fresh
renewed, powerful as ever. His object was attained;
for the only one who had pitied, and striven to
relieve his hard sufferings, was now beyond the
reach of harm through his means. He now slowly moved
from the pillar against which he had leaned for
support, and placed himself in the space between two
of the front middle columns. Though all marveled
what he would do, none dared to approach him. He
extended his once more powerful arms; he placed a
hand on either of the two pillars between which he
stood; and as the spectators marked his movements,
there arose from that crowd a long, piercing shriek,
which rang thrillingly through the festal hall.
There was a mad and fearful attempt at flight; but
few, very few escaped the impending destruction. His
hands were on the massive sustaining columns. He
turned his face to heaven.
“Lord of all spirits,” said he,
“Father of souls, let me surrender into thy hands
the soul Thou last given, and with the Philistines
let me also die.” With one mighty effort he bowed
himself down. Those strong lofty pillars tottered to
their foundations, and beams and rafters creaked and
groaned, as forth they started from their firm-set
fastenings. But no time was there for one single
scream from the horror-stricken inmates of that
doomed pile; for scarce had the irresistible stroke
of his arm been given, when, torn and shaken by its
mighty force, down, with a stunning, crashing, a
heart-smiting sound, came column, roof, beam, and
rafter, in <<315>>shapeless, heavy, confused heaps
of fragments, crushing, mangling, and burying in
their ruins the jeering, mocking crowd without, and
the gay, careless, wanton, and cruel feasters
within. With wild and fearful screams of horror, he
might be the next victim of that fell destroyer.
Causeless were those fears—that destroyer was
terrible no more; he lay with those he had
destroyed, his wish fulfilled, his prayer was
granted. |
