John Milton

Milton is customarily ranked as the second-greatest poet in English, surpassed only by Shakespeare. There have been attacks—most notably by Samuel Johnson in the eighteenth century

On His Blindness

by John Milton (1608–74)

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16

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

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