In which Dalila seeks to mitigate her offence by appealing to shared human weakness and the compelling power of love, urging Samson towards pardon with a mingling of contrition and reasoned excuse. In turn, Samson rebuffs her plea with stern judgment, condemning deceit and betrayal as beyond the pale of mere frailty, while Dalila recounts the weighty pressures and solemn duties that swayed her to her deed.