On His Blindness

by John Milton (1608 – 1674)
composed  about 1652

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.

Milton, on losing his sight, is gaining his vision.

On the restoration of  Charles II and the the English Monarchy  Miltons' hopes of seeing the English people freeded from the dual yokes of Monarchy and Episcopalianism are dashed.  Thus ends a lifetimes work,  hopes and  dreams.  

To serve his country under the English Commonwealth, Milton has neglected his one talent.   

Is waiting on a stewardship from his one and  true king also a service to the same? 

To a watchful waiting,  Milton will now place this  talent. 
 
Through the instrument of a blind poet in the darkness of the night, The Eternal Father reveals his finest works.   Thus recieved, Paradise Lost  and Paradise Regained.


http://classicpoetryaloud.podomatic.com/entry/2007-11-20T03_34_02-08_00

http://www.answers.com/topic/on-his-blindness-sonnet-16-poem-5

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28)

John Milton served Oliver Cromwell and the English Commonweath (1649 - 1660)

Oliver Cromwell (born April 25, 1599 Old Style, died September 3, 1658 Old Style)