Act One, Scene One

In Gaza, Palestine, the Hebrews have assembled near the temple of Dagon in sorrowful prayer over their subservience to the Philistines. Samson speaks to the crowd in an attempt to renew their faith and enthusiasm to break the bonds of tyranny. His eloquence wins them over and calms their fear. They prepare to do battle again.



Scene Two

The Philistine Abimelech arrives with his soldiers and challenges Samson's brave words, unfavorably comparing the Hebrew god to the Philistine god Dagon. Enraged, Samson passionately calls on his people to rise up against their tormentors despite Abimelech's threats. The two men fight. Abimelech is killed and all the Philistines are driven off in confusion.



Scene Three

All the Hebrews have cleared away, and the high priest of Dagon, with guards and attendants, comes out of the temple, halting before the corpse of Abimelech. He urges his soldiers to pursue the Hebrews, but they find themselves paralyzed with fear.



Scene Four

A Philistine messenger now appears on the scene, bearing news that a Hebrew rebellion, led by Samson, has broken out. The priest vows a cruel revenge upon Samson's people, while his fellows urge they should abandon everything and flee into the mountains. The scene clears.



Scene Five

After sunrise, some aged Hebrews, followed by the victorious Hebrew warriors, appear with Samson. They are singing praises to their god in thanks for the victory he has brought them.



Scene Six

Delilah now comes out of the temple of Dagon, with attendant Philistine priestesses. She declares her love of Samson, inviting him to visit with her in Sorek valley, Palestine. Although the aged Hebrews warn Samson about her seductive charms, he cannot avoid her alluring gaze and becomes inflamed with passion when the priestesses do a voluptuous ritual dance.



Act Two, Scene One

At her house in Sorek, Delilah, heavily adorned, sits pensively as night falls, awaiting the arrival of Samson. She prays that the "poison" of love enter his heart and enslave him to her; this will be the Philistines' revenge.



Scene Two

The High Priest, Delilah's father, arrives. All this time he has believed that Delilah reciprocated Samson's love and is happy to learn that she despises the Hebrew warrior as much as her father does. She swears that Samson's remarkable restraint will be broken down this very night by Delilah's irresistible tears, and she will discover the secret of his power and rob him of it. The Priest leaves Delilah alone to await her victim.



Scene Three

Although tormented, Samson at last comes. Lightning faintly rumbles in the distance as Delilah throws herself upon him, and Samson's resistance dissolves. To fan the flames, she plays at not trusting the depth of his love, despite his almost hysterical declarations. Finally, as the storm now rages around them, he rushes into the house after her and Philistine soldiers follow; the trap is sprung.



Act Three, Scene One

Samson is chained to a millwheel and blinded in a Gaza prison with other Hebrews. He loudly laments the weakness of will that brought him down, while the others admonish him for selling them out for the mere favors of Delilah. Philistine soldiers enter and drag him away.



Scene Two

Inside the temple of Dagon, a crowd of Philistines gather, including Delilah, her maidens, and the High Priest. Their amorous celebrating continues through the dawn.



Scene Three

Samson is brought into their midst in chains, led by a child. The Philistines enrage him with their scorn and mockery. Samson prays silently and fervently as the Philistines enact various sacrificial and divinatory rituals. As they watch the brazier flames leaping higher, which they take as a good omen, the child leads Samson between the two supporting pillars, which he pulls down with a final burst of inspired strength, destroying the temple and killing everyone in it.

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