Episodes

  • Samson Agonistes Section 11

    Samson Agonistes Section 11
    May 1 2026
    In which the resolute Samson prepares to face his captors with unwavering obedience to his vow and steadfast hope, whilst his father Manoa ardently petitions for his redemption amidst stirring omens. The tale unfolds to reveal a grand and final spectacle of strength and sacrifice that culminates in a profound deliverance wrought through great travail, leaving both lamentation and honour in its wake.
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    14 mins
  • Samson Agonistes Section 10

    Samson Agonistes Section 10
    Apr 27 2026
    In which Samson reflects upon the bitter consequences of misplaced trust and the deceptive nature of beauty, engaging in a proud and defiant discourse with the Philistine giant Harapha, who mocks his blindness and challenges his might. And in the midst of these confrontations, a commanding messenger arrives, delivering an imperial summons for Samson to display his strength at the feast of Dagon, which he solemnly resolves to refuse, pondering the sacredness of his vow against the profanation of idolatries.
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    13 mins
  • Samson Agonistes Section 9

    Samson Agonistes Section 9
    Apr 23 2026
    In which the mournful discourse unfolds between Samson and Dalila, revealing the bitter estrangement born of broken trust and conflicting loyalties, framed by solemn reflections on love, duty, and the grievous weight of mistaken zeal. The lamentations and reproaches pass back and forth, painting a somber picture of pain and pride interwoven, as both seek solace or justification amidst their sufferings.
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    14 mins
  • Samson Agonistes Section 8

    Samson Agonistes Section 8
    Apr 19 2026
    In which Dalila seeks to mitigate her offence by appealing to shared human weakness and the compelling power of love, urging Samson towards pardon with a mingling of contrition and reasoned excuse. In turn, Samson rebuffs her plea with stern judgment, condemning deceit and betrayal as beyond the pale of mere frailty, while Dalila recounts the weighty pressures and solemn duties that swayed her to her deed.
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    11 mins
  • Samson Agonistes Section 7

    Samson Agonistes Section 7
    Apr 15 2026
    In which the Chorus meditates upon the burdens and sufferings ordained by divine providence, particularly upon those chosen for great purposes, lamenting their frequent descent into adversity, before observing the approach of Dalila, arrayed in splendour and bearing tokens of penitence. And Samson, steeped in mistrust and recalling her past treacheries, rebuffs her attempts at reconciliation, foreseeing the perils that forgiveful hearts may encounter when deceived by false repentance.
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    12 mins
  • Samson Agonistes Section 6

    Samson Agonistes Section 6
    Apr 11 2026
    In which the fallen Champion, lamenting his lost strength and blindness, confesses the deep anguish and despair that torment both his body and soul despite his once miraculous temperance and divine favour. His discourse with a compassionate friend reveals a heart burdened with doubts of mercy and a fervent wish for swift release from unceasing misery, reflecting the sombre weight of forsaken glory and unrelenting pain.
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    15 mins
  • Samson Agonistes Section 5

    Samson Agonistes Section 5
    Apr 7 2026
    In which the fallen Samson confesses his grievous errors and mourns the dishonour brought upon his God through his weakened faith and ill counsel, expressing a sombre hope for divine vindication against idolatry. The discourse between him, his Father, and the Chorus reveals a poignant struggle between penitence and despair, as they contemplate fate, forgiveness, and the frailty of mortal resolve.
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    8 mins
  • Samson Agonistes Section 4

    Samson Agonistes Section 4
    Apr 3 2026
    In which the once-mighty Samson lies captive and blind, lamenting the grievous consequences of his own faltering faith and folly that led to his downfall, while a visiting man reflects mournfully on the frailty of mortal strength and the irony of divine gifts turned to sorrow. The discourse unfolds amid sorrowful recognition of past glories now faded, and the heavy shame cast upon Samson and his house by his enemies’ festal blasphemy.
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    19 mins