Samson et Dalila

I

The Hebrews turn to God with prayer: their people have long been suffering in slavery to the Philistines. Samson calls on his fellow tribesmen to rebel. The Hebrews doubt the success of the resistance, but Samson’s passionate appeal convinces them.

The voices of the Hebrews attract the attention of Abimelech, the ruler of Gaza. His mockery and abuse outrage the Hebrews. In righteous anger, Samson kills Abimelech, and the soldiers accompanying the latter flee in panic. Alarmed by the noise, the High Priest appears. Seeing Abimelech dead, he calls on the Philistines to take revenge, but they flee in terror.

Inspired by their victory, the Hebrew elders gather for prayer. They sing a hymn to the Almighty. Young Philistine women appear from the temple, among them the priestess Delilah, admiring Samson’s courage. In vain does one of the Hebrew elders try to warn the hero — he is bewitched by the charms of the beautiful Delilah.

II

Delilah is waiting for Samson, but her thoughts are full not of love, but of revenge: the Hebrews, led by Samson, are winning more and more often. The High Priest promises Delilah any gifts if she delivers the hero into the hands of the Philistines. But Delilah does not need a reward: her hatred for Samson is already great.

In the darkness of the night, Samson appears, torn between love and duty. Delilah assures him of her love and begs him to be frank with her. Through cunning and affection, Delilah finds out the secret of Samson’s invincible strength — it is the hero’s hair. She then lures Samson into her bed and, while he sleeps, cuts off his hair.

III

The defeated Samson prays to God to take his life, but not to punish his fellow tribesmen, who have once again fallen under the yoke of the Philistines. He hears the voices of the Hebrews condemning him for treason.

The Philistines celebrate their victory. Samson is brought into the temple. The assembled meet him with contemptuous laughter. Delilah reminds the hero of their moments of bliss, of how in her arms he betrayed his duty. Samson calls upon God and begs him to restore his strength. With Samson’s final prayer, the temple collapses, burying everyone in it under the rubble.