Sunday, February 5, 2023

"they serve him best"

 I recently came upon this poem by John Milton, which I'd only heard the last line of:

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
Lodged 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.

3 comments:

  1. I love this poem! The wording is so so so good.

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    Replies
    1. Margo! So good to "see" you! Yes, Milton. I heard of a woman who read Paradise Lost to her child, from an infant!

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