"Samson" is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel, with libretto by Hamilton, following Milton's Samson Agonistes (which itself follows Judges 16). One of Handel's finest dramatic works, its première in London (18 February 1743) was a great success, with seven further performances. Its popularity has continued: two arias, "Let the bright Seraphim" (soprano) and "Total eclipse" (tenor), are often performed. "Samson" is usually a concert oratorio, but has also been staged as opera. Milton’s original text is also still performed, like Comus, so Milton has proved the successful dramatist he first aspired to be.