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Sonnets. XVI

By John Milton

Topics: classic

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.

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Author:John Milton

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John Milton

About John Milton

John Milton (1608–1674) was an English poet best known for "Paradise Lost" (1667), an epic poem retelling the biblical story of the Fall of Man. He also wrote "Paradise Regained," "Samson Agonistes," and the pastoral elegy "Lycidas," and is considered the greatest English epic poet.

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