On His Blindness

by JOHN MILTON (1608-1674)

WHEN I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide,
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,

‘Doth God exact day labor, light denied?’
I fondly ask. But Patience to prevent
That murmur soon replies, ‘God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.’

John Milton

Seventeenth century poet, writer, and polemicist John Milton is perhaps one of the most fascinating yet complex literary figures of all time. Read more

John Milton Contemporaries:
John Dryden
Andrew Marvell
Thomas Carew
Sir Henry Wotton

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