John Milton: Paradise Lost, Book 2.

John Milton, Paradise Lost.

…who overcomes
By force, hath overcome but half his foe.

John MIlton: Paradise Lost

If this be our condition, thus to dwell
In narrow circuit strait'n'd by a Foe,
Subtle or violent, we not endu'd
Single with like defense, wherever met,
How are we happy, still in fear of harm?

John Milton: Paradise Lost

From standing lake to tripping ebb,
That stole with soft foot towards the deep,
Who now had stopped his sluices,
As the Heaven his windows shut.

John Milton, Paradise Lost 

Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar Stood ruled, stood vast infinitude confined,...

None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but licence.

The only breaks to the sodden blanket white

Are dark soulless pools

The broken heathen texture of last season's growth

And the crumble black stone walls.

Our stumble steps are sorry sinking strides

Sad mire squelch more mire sigh

And pressing down, the grey sky gloom