John MiltonOn his blindnessWhen 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 bentTo serve therewith my maker, and presentMy true account, lest he returning chide,Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?I fondly ask; but Patience to preventThat murmur, soon replies, God doth not needEither man's work or his own gifts, who bestBear his mild yoke, they serve him best, his stateIs kingly. Thousands at his bidding speedAnd post o'er land and ocean without rest:They also serve who only stand and wait.octave sestet quatrain tercet couplet line phr s