Act I. Before the curtain rises we hear of the Philistines at Gaza

forcing the Israelites to work. When the curtain is raised we see in the background the temple of Dagon, god of the Philistines. With the lamentations of the Jews is mixed the bitter scorn of _Abimelech_. But _Samson_ has not yet expressed a hope of conquering. His drink-inspired songs agitate his fellow countrymen so much that it now amounts to an insurrection. _Samson_ slays _Abimelech_ with the sword he has snatched from him and Israel's champion starts out to complete the work. _Dagon's_ high priest may curse, the Philistines are not able to offer resistance to the onslaught of the enemy. Already the Hebrews are rejoicing and gratefully praise God when there appear the Philistines' most seductive maidens, _Dalila_ at their head, to do homage to the victorious _Samson_. Of what use is the warning of an old Hebrew? The memory of the love which she gave him when "the sun laughed, the spring awoke and kissed the ground," the sight of her ensnaring beauty, the tempting dances ensnare the champion anew.