Poems &c. Upon Several Occasions/When I consider how my light is spent

For other versions of this work, see When I consider how my light is spent.
When I consider how my light is spent, (1651)
by John Milton

From Poems &c. Upon Several Occasions [1673]

138824When I consider how my light is spent,1651John Milton

When I consider how my light is spent,
  E're half my days, in this dark world and wide,
  And that one Talent which is death to hide,
  Lodg'd with me useless, though my Soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
  My true account, least he returning chide,
  Doth God exact day-labour, light deny'd,
  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 milde yoak, they serve him best, his State
Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
  And post o're Land and Ocean without rest:
  They also serve who only stand and waite.

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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