All is, if I have grace to use it so, As ever in my great Taskmaster's eye. By this I believe you may well repent of having made mention at all of this matter; for if I have not all this while won you to this, I have certainly wearied you of it. This, therefore, may be a sufficient reason for me to keep as I am, lest having thus tired you singly, I should deal worse with a whole congregation, and spoil all the patience of a parish; for I myself do not only see my own tediousness, but now grow offended with it. That has hindered me thus long from coming to the last and best period of my letter, and that which must now chiefly work my pardon, that I am, Your true and unfeigned friend, etc. MILTON'S SONNETS ON HIS BLINDNESS (Written cir. 1655?) When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days in this dark world and wide, SONNET TO CYRIACK SKINNER His state Cyriack, this three years' day these eyes, though clear, Bereft of light, their seeing have forgot; Of sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year, Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot In Liberty's defense, my noble task, Of which all Europe rings from side to side. This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask, Content, though blind, had I no better guide. |