Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume IV. The Higher Life. 1904. | | | | VI. Human Experience | | On his Blindness | | 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 | 5 |
| 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 | 10 |
| 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.” | | | | |
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