On His Blindness

By John Milton (1608-1674)

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.

• What was the speaker's soul more inspired to do?
  "Though my soul more bent to serve therewith my Maker."
  The speaker firmly held the belief that one is blessed by the God only when he is exerting himself to fulfill his potential and dedicating himself to the calling despite his physical disability and flaws. He was already blind and definitely in anguish when he was writing this poem. Notwithstanding the adversity confronting him, the speaker had not succumbed to the capricious fate. Conversely, he made attempts to conquer it by making full use of his gifts endowed by the God. Therefore his soul was more inspired to "serve therewith his Maker".

• What was the servant's punishment for hiding the coin known as the "talent"?
  According to the parable, the timid and sluggish servant was finally deprived of the ownership of the coins he had been given and even the chances to earn more. He was "throw outside in the darkness", which means that he was expelled from the brightness, for he had once despised himself and not exploited any talents.

• In what sense has the world in which the speaker lives always been dark?
  The speaker had been suffering from blindness then. Regardless of his physical disability, the world would be overwhelmed by absolute darkness if he couldn't have any opportunities to exhibit his hidden talents and aggressive mind.

• What comfort can the speaker draw from Patience's closing remarks?
  "They also serve who only stand and wait."
  Blind as he was, the speaker was still capable of actualizing his dreams, given that he remained positive and open-minded, awaiting rebirth.

• Why is his fear unjustified or unfounded?
  Actually the speaker was versatile and enlightened, with a peerless clairvoyance into the seemingly convoluted world. He faced up to his destiny rather than conceded to it. Additionally, he had faith in himself and held fast to the pursuits that stretched him. Thus there shall be no reason for him to be afraid.

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