On His Blindness - John Milton
/On His Blindness - John Milton/
A Contemplation on Faith and Divine Service
Original (Line 1): When I consider how my light is spent,
English (Line 1): When I consider how my light is spent,
Original (Line 2): Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
English (Line 2): Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
Original (Line 3): And that one Talent which is death to hide
English (Line 3): And that one Talent which is death to hide
Original (Line 4): Lodg’d with me useless, though my Soul more bent
English (Line 4): Lodg’d with me useless, though my Soul more bent
Original (Line 5): To serve therewith my Maker, and present
English (Line 5): To serve therewith my Maker, and present
Original (Line 6): My true account, lest he returning chide;
English (Line 6): My true account, lest he returning chide;
Original (Line 7): Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?
English (Line 7): Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?
Original (Line 8): I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
English (Line 8): I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
Original (Line 9): That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need
English (Line 9): That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need
Original (Line 10): Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best
English (Line 10): Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best
Original (Line 11): Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
English (Line 11): Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Original (Line 12): Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
English (Line 12): Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
Original (Line 13): And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest;
English (Line 13): And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest;
Original (Line 14): They also serve who only stand and wait.
English (Line 14): They also serve who only stand and wait.
Note: This poem (also known as “Sonnet XIX”) is in the public domain.
John Milton’s sonnet “On His Blindness” delves into the poet’s struggle with his failing eyesight and his subsequent concerns about fulfilling his purpose in service to God. The poem opens with Milton reflecting on “how my light is spent,” a metaphor for both his lost physical vision and the creative talent he fears he can no longer fully employ.
In the central question—“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”—the speaker wonders whether divine justice still demands active work from those who face profound limitations. Milton then introduces “Patience” as a personified voice, which gently corrects his apprehension: God is not reliant on human labor or earthly talents. Rather, what matters is bearing the “mild yoke” of circumstance faithfully. In other words, sincere acceptance of one’s burdens can constitute meaningful service.
The poem culminates in the famous concluding line, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” This summation underscores Milton’s realization that devotion is not confined to conventional ideas of productivity; trust, endurance, and spiritual commitment hold equal value in the divine economy. The sonnet thus merges personal reflection with universal insight—reminding readers that acceptance and humility can be forms of service on par with action and creation.
Milton’s larger message can extend to anyone grappling with hardships or perceived weaknesses. Though the poem captures his own anxiety about losing the gift of sight, its final reassurance resonates with all who might feel hindered in their pursuits. Ultimately, “On His Blindness” proclaims that faith transcends external conditions, and that each person has a place in the divine plan, even if that place requires waiting or adapting rather than traditional acts of service.
Key points
1. True service to God stems from faith and willingness, not mere productivity.
2. Acceptance of personal limitations can become a profound form of devotion.
3. Divine justice does not depend on human talents or performance.
4. Patience and readiness may be as meaningful as visible action.
