The University of Kansas Libraries

On His Blindness

by John Milton

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.

Hear this poem read aloud (courtesy of Classic Poetry Aloud).

Read The Complete Poems of John Milton (including Paradise Lost) at Bartleby.com.

KU Libraries collections contain more than 28,000 books of or about poetry. Throughout April, a special selection of poetry books will be available for checkout in Watson Library near the 3rd floor service desk. Come check it out!

Return to KU Libraries Poem-a-Day main page.