on his blindness
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John Milton (1608-1674)

Sonnet XIX: When I Consider How my Light is Spent




This sonnet, probably written in 1652, deals with the poet's costernation at his blindness and gradual loss of poetic inspiration, a situation which can only be alleviated by faith.

  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
 10     Either man's work or his own gifts: who best
 11     Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state


 12     Is kinglyreplies: "God doth not need; thousands at his bidding speed
 13     And post o'er land and ocean without rest:
 14     They also serve who only stand and wait."

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