On His Blindness (Sonnet XIX)

John Milton · written c. 1652-1655; published 1673

Catalog grade guidance: 9–12

14 content lines · 114 words · Est. recitation about 1 min 2 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Project Gutenberg #31706: Milton, Minor Poems, ed. Samuel Thurber (Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1901).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

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."