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,
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.
Is kingly thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."

SONNET TO CYRIACK SKINNER

His state

Cyriack, this three years' day these eyes, though clear,
To outward view, of blemish or of spot,

Bereft of light, their seeing have forgot;
Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear

Of sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year,
Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not

Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot
Of heart or hope, but still bear up and steer
Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask?
The conscience, friend, to have lost them overplied

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.