Ne’er think of that.

From Samson, HWV 57, Act II, Scene II

English text
Samson
Ne’er think of that! I know thy warbling charms,
Thy trains, thy wiles, and fair enchanted cup.
Their force is nulI’d; where once I have been caught,
I shun the snare. These chains, this prison-house,
I count the house of liberty to thine.

Dalila
Let me approach, at least, and touch thy hand.

Samson
Not for thy life, lest fierce remembrance wake
My sudden rage to tear thee limb from limb.
At distance I forgive: depart with that.
Now triumph in thy falsehood; so farewell!

Dalila
Thou art more deaf to pray’rs than winds or seas.
Thy anger rages an etemal tempest.
Why should I humbly sue for peace, thus scorn’d,
With infamy upon my name denounc’d?
When in this land I ever shall be held
The first of womankind, living or dead.
My praises shall be sung at solemn feasts,
Who sav’d my country from a fierce destroyer.
Opera Stanford

About the text

After John Milton’s dramatic poem, Samson Agonistes.