Psst, Doug, I'm more into Miles and Monk than Milton these days, but when I
was 13 or so, his sonnet on his blindness just blew me away.
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-labour, 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
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
who became blind in 1651-52 when he was 43.
2009/4/3 Douglas Barbour <[log in to unmask]>
> Geez, from my even higher heights of age, I wonder. Of course, we need
> humour to help us get through. And also to take notice, as you say Andrew.
>
> But Milton?!?
>
> Whoa, mate.
>
> Doug
> On 2-Apr-09, at 6:25 PM, Andrew Burke wrote:
>
|