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Good for you , Andrew, alive to Milton at 13 (or so). I think I was 14 or so when homework was Memorize a Milton sonnet of your own choice. My classmates chose the famous ones, I chose Cyriack, this three years day these eys, though clear To outward view, of blemish or of spot; Bereft of light, thir seeing have forgot, Nor to thir idle orbs doth sight appear Of Sun or Moon or Starre throughout the year, Or man or woman. Yet I argue not Against heavns hand or will, nor bate a jot Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask? The conscience, Friend, to have lost them overply'd In libertyes defence, my noble task, Of which all Europe talks from side to side. This thought might lead me through the worlds vain mask Content though blind, had I no better guide. But only the first two lines came to mind just now when I tried... Max Quoting andrew burke <[log in to unmask]>: > 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: > > > ------------------------------------------------------------ This email was sent from Netspace Webmail: http://www.netspace.net.au