Chapter Temptation of Samson Agonistes - Study Guide by John Milton

no such direction and so is forced to decline to accompany the Officer. Samson has finally learned they who only stand and wait also serve God.

Unable to comprehend Samson's resolute determination to disobey the Officer, the Chorus observes in astonishment, 'How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach.' (l.1380) At this moment Samson is isolated - no-one fully understands Samson's decision - from all except God. Until God has indicated otherwise, Samson must resolve to pass his days in patient waiting; at last Samson has developed into a true hero, one who exemplifies the 'better fortitude / Of patience and heroic martyrdom' Milton praised in Paradise Lost.

Samson's spiritual regeneration is now complete. Having learned and accepted the lessons of humility, faith and patience, Samson has been renovated and sanctified. Precisely at this point, the culmination of his regenerative experience, Samson is made aware by 'intimate impulse' of the vocatio specialis that recalls him into divine service. He notes 'I begin to feel / Some rousing motions in me which dispose / To something extraordinary my thoughts.' (ll.1381-3) Under the guidance of the Spirit of God Samson now accedes to accompany the Philistian Officer to the temple:

'I with this messenger will go along,
Nothing to do, be sure, that may dishonour
Our Law, or stain my vow of Nazarite.
If there be aught of presage in my mind,
This day will be remarkable in my life
By some great act, or of my days the last.' (ll.1384-9)

He does not know the particulars of the duties to which God, through the Officer, is summoning him, but he is fully aware of the vocational significance of the 'rousing motions', his calling. Samson knows he has regained divine grace and his vocation, and that his prophesied mission is to find expression in some glorious action. Samson realises that this will be his last effort in pursuit of God's will. In going to the temple of Dagon, Samson transgresses divine law, but he does so out of respect to the will of the Lawgiver. The Chorus cannot comprehend Samson's decision at this stage. This parallels his marriage at God's command to the woman of Timnath. We leave Samson as God's active champion, humility and faith restored, he leaves freely following the Philistian Officer to the temple, where he awaits further instruction from God, ready to fulfil the prophecy that foretold him.