John Milton and his gratitude to God

John Milton (English Poet) : 1608–1674

Analyzed by Taroj Khan

“When I Consider How My Light Is Spent”

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-labor, 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.”

John Milton was an English poet who became blind at an early age. This blindness prevented him from writing as much as he intended to. He was not a famous poet during his time and served as an advisor to a government official. Due to his blindness, his poems required more time to be finished and made him ask others for assistance which in turn made him dependent on them to complete his work. Instead of repenting, he…