Ah, well, that Milton! Okay. I confess I always liked the poet in
shorter forms best....
But did read all the big ones, once.
Doug
On 3-Apr-09, at 5:59 PM, andrew burke wrote:
> 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:
>>
>
Douglas Barbour
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http://www.ualberta.ca/~dbarbour/
Latest books:
Continuations (with Sheila E Murphy)
http://www.uap.ualberta.ca/UAP.asp?LID=41&bookID=664
Wednesdays'
http://abovegroundpress.blogspot.com/2008/03/new-from-aboveground-press_10.html
It's always night or we wouldn't need light.
Thelonious Monk
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