Second
61
Went to the ground: and the repeated air
Of sad Electra’s poet had the power
To save the Athenian walls from ruin bare.
J. Milton
Of sad Electra’s poet had the power
To save the Athenian walls from ruin bare.
J. Milton
lxxi
ON HIS BLINDNESS
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
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
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
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.
J. Milton
And post o’er land and ocean without rest:—
They also serve who only stand and wait.
J. Milton
lxxii
CHARACTER OF A HAPPY LIFE
How happy is he born and taught
That serveth not another’s will;
Whose armour is his honest thought
And simple truth his utmost skill!
That serveth not another’s will;
Whose armour is his honest thought
And simple truth his utmost skill!
Whose passions not his masters are.
Whose soul is still prepared for death.
Not tied unto the world with care
Of public fame, or private breath;
Whose soul is still prepared for death.
Not tied unto the world with care
Of public fame, or private breath;
