- Saran of Gaza: No one knows who Samson is. No one has ever seen him. He's been away. I don't know where. But we've heard of his fearful deeds. And we are certain that he exists.
- Delilah, Philistine Queen: My lord, Delilah exists too. I'll know how to receive Samson and how to tame him.
- [first lines]
- First Tradesman: [arguing over a goat] And I bought it when I went to the fair in Sylos. And this thief took it from under my nose. He even refused to trade. Just grabbed it as if it were his.
- Second Tradesman: Your Highness, I can prove that I am the owner. My father presented this goat to Mother.
- First Tradesman: Stop lying to his majesty or I'll break this staff over your skull.
- Second Tradesman: Will you just go ahead and try it?
- First Tradesman: I will... just as soon as King Laertes upholds my claim.
- Laertes - Ithaca King: Why wait? Break it now.
- Second Tradesman: He threatened me!
- First Tradesman: How can he claim his father gave the goat to his mother? It's impossible. A goat couldn't live that long. It must have been a, a hundred years ago.
- [the council members laugh]
- Laertes - Ithaca King: You, settle this.
- Councilman: Yes, Your Highness. I'll see to those two.
- First Tradesman: He must have decided alread. Can I take it home now? I own it!
- Councilman: Now, start all over again and talk one at a time.
- Ercole: To send a woman here is strange. What's the purpose of it?
- Delilah, Philistine Queen: Because the king *really* trusts me.
- Saran of Gaza: Samson is on his way here with the Danites.
- Delilah, Philistine Queen: So much the better. You won't have to look for him anymore.
- Saran of Gaza: You don't understand. Now he is hunting for me. He's openly challenging me. He'll stop at nothing!
- Delilah, Philistine Queen: Ah. Can't the Philistine king protect and defend himself?
- Saran of Gaza: Do you think it easy to fight against someone who believes he was sent here by his god?
- Saran of Gaza: And why should I have to defend myself? This land is mine by right of conquest. Those men are my subjects. Every one of them owes me obedience.
- Delilah, Philistine Queen: And tribute. And slaves. That's why they love you so well, my lord.
- Saran of Gaza: Samson has sworn that... I will be murdered.
- Delilah, Philistine Queen: Where is your courage? You must set an example for the rest. You know, like you did in that village - the Danites that had no defense.
- Delilah, Philistine Queen: I fear these people.
- Sansone: They are of my faith. They worship of my God.
- Laertes - Ithaca King: Are you still worried?
- Leria - Hercules' wife: I'm afraid I am. Until my husband is in Ithica again, I will continue to worry.
- Argos: Ithica is far away, but your husband is near.
- Delilah, Philistine Queen: You see? Hercules was the only man who could catch Samson in the whole country. I knew he could do it. And do you know what made it possible?
- Saran of Gaza: It was possible because you came between them.
- Delilah, Philistine Queen: Why have they stopped?
- Saran of Gaza: A soldier has to be encouraged. You'll see. Just watch how I inspire them.
- [Saran signals his archers to fire upon the stationary soldiers]