40006. Milton, John. The Columbia World of Quotations. 1996

The Columbia World of Quotations. 1996.


NUMBER:	40006
QUOTATION:	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; by 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.”
ATTRIBUTION:	John Milton (1608–1674), British poet. When I Consider How My Light Is Spent (l. 1–14). . . The Complete Poetry of John Milton. John T. Shawcross, ed. (1963, rev. ed. 1971) Doubleday.
BIOGRAPHY:	Columbia Encyclopedia.
WORKS:	Milton Collection.