But what more oft in nations grown corrupt,

And by their vices brought to servitude,

Than to love bondage more than liberty,

Bondage with ease than strenuous liberty,

And to despise, or envy, or suspect,

Whom God hath of his special favour raised

As their deliverer; if he aught begin,

How frequent to desert him, and at last

To heap ingratitude on worthiest deeds?

John Milton (1608-74), Samson Agonistes.