The poem tells the story of Delilah, a biblical figure known for betraying her lover Samson. The narrator describes Delilah's beauty and cunning, which she uses to manipulate men. She meets Samson, a strong and brave warrior, and falls in love with him. However, she is also motivated by greed and a desire for power. When the Philistines offer her a large sum of money to betray Samson, she agrees and discovers the secret of his strength, which lies in his hair. She has his hair cut off while he sleeps, and he is subsequently captured and blinded by the Philistines. The poem ends with Delilah's triumph and Samson's downfall.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Religious