Milton: On his Blindness
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
Lodg’d with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker and present
My true account, lest he returning chide,
”Doth God demand day labor, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmer, soon replies: “God doth not need
Either mans’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 -- 1608-1674
Written Circa 1652
One of many analyses online:
https://goodstudy.org/on-his-blindness/#.Y30GjC-B1jc
One source has "that one Talent which is dear to hide,"
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