when I consider

When I consider …

 

John Milton, (1608 - 1674) Sonnet 19 (Sonnet XIX)

 

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."

Note:
Many people refer to this poem as 'When I consider how my life is spent' however when Milton wrote this poem he was referring to his rapidly failing eyesight

http://www.poetry-online.org/milton_when_i_consider_how_my_light_is_spent.htm

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~milton/reading_room/sonnets/sonnet_19/index.shtml

 

William Shakespeare, (1564 – 1616) Sonnet XV.

 

When I consider every thing that grows

Holds in perfection but a little moment,

That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows

Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;

When I perceive that men as plants increase,

Cheered and cheque'd even by the self-same sky,

Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,

And wear their brave state out of memory;

Then the conceit of this inconstant stay

Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,

Where wasteful Time debateth with Decay,

To change your day of youth to sullied night;

  And all in war with Time for love of you,

  As he takes from you, I engraft you new.

http://www.cs.usyd.edu.au/~matty/Shakespeare/texts/poetry/sonnets

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/sonnets/15detail.html (with paraphrase)