ON HIS BLINDNESS
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 labour, 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."
—Milton
Preparatory.—Divide the sonnet into two parts, giving each part a title.
Read the first part in prose order, supplying the ellipses.
How many distinct statements are there in the second part?
Select the clauses of the first part that are equal in rank and have the same Shading. Show which should be made prominent, and which held in the background.
Read the first part of this sonnet, with a view to Perspective. (Introduction, p. [33].)
1-4. With what do you connect When ... spent, and Lodged? How?