SONNETS: XIX

Milton 1673: Original Text Reference.
Composition Date: 1652-55. Publication Date: 1673.
Ed. (text): A. S. P. Woodhouse and Hugh MacCallum; (e-text): I.
Lancashire.
Rep. Poetry: 3RP.1.238.

1     When I consider how my light is spent
2         Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
3         And that one talent which is death to hide
4         Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent
5     To serve therewith my Maker, and present
6         My true account, lest he returning chide,
7         "Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
8         I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
9     That murmur, soon replies: "God doth not need
10       Either man's work or his own gifts: who best
11       Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
12   Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
13       And post o'er land and ocean without rest:
14       They also serve who only stand and wait."

http://library.utoronto.ca/www/utel/rp/poems/milton7.html (page)

http://www.urich.edu/~creamer/resource.html (main page)

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