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
Lodg'd 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."
There is no point in lamenting or complaining about our short comings in life! For, God does not need any of our service or want anything from us as He is infinitely self-sufficient and self-reliant ever! Talented or not, bright or blind it is our duty to the best we can to prove our mettle before Him being worthy of ourselves being His creations! It is Milton's best example of his intellectual analysis and resolution that made him noble and great ever!
the sestet offers a universally accepted religious belief...n if only stand n wait...means to serve the Almighty, then it means there is a deep philosophy of patience, tolerance and hope...
She was crying becaus she had no new shoes but when she came across to man who has no feet¿ ¿ ¿ Just the last line sruck my deep feelings, what the lament over we have not! just thank God what we have!
Excellent poem, Pondering upon is the best way to read Milton.
I agree Milton's description of blindness. How light means to them. How visualisation through soul happens and how patience and wait play key roles.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Milton's classic poem Each word in this poem is golden advice particularly the last line They also serve who only stand and wait is the line with poet's classic touch, a sparkling diamond on golden jewel.I INVITE EVERYBODY TO READ THIS POEM AND FEEL THE MILTONIC TOUCH who justified the ways of men to God. --KAVIN CHARALAN Marks10+10+10+10+10..........