Text of the Poem | On His Blindness by John Milton | Eureka Study Aids

1. When I consider how my light is spent

2. E're 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, least he returning chide,
7. Doth God exact day-labour, light deny'd,
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 this milde yoak; they serve his best, his State
12. Is Kingly, Thousands at his bidding speed
13. And post o're Land and Ocean without rest:
14. They also serve who only stand and waite,