On His Blindness is one of the most popular sonnets written by John Milton, an English poet, pamphleteer, and civil servant. Born in 1608, Milton is renowned for his extraordinary contributions to literature and political thought during the 17th century. His poem, On His Blindness, talks about Milton’s experiences with his loss of sight and the desire to serve God through his writing. The poem covers the themes of faith, duty, and the connection between human frailty and divine purpose.
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.”