Poem Notes: On His Blindness by John Milton

On His Blindness
By John Milton

1. When I consider how my light is spent
2. Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
3. And that one true talent which is death to hide
4. Lodg’d wit me useless through my sole and bent
5. To serve therewith my maker, and present
6. My true account, lest he returning chide
7. “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
8. I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent

9. That murmur soon replies: “God doth not need
10. Either man’s work nor his own gifts: who best
11. Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
12. Is kingly; thousands at bidding speed
13. And post o’er land and ocean without rest:
14. They also serve who only stand and wait.”




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, On His Blindness
By John Milton




Summary
The title tells us that Milton wrote this poem in realisation that he is going blind. In this poem he expresses
his frustration and despair at not being able to use his talent of poetry which God gave him.




COPYRIGHT © RYAN MULLER - RL TECHNOLOGIES - education.rltechnologies.org