To Cyriack Skinner (John Milton)

Cyriack, this three years day these eys, 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 heavns 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 overply'd

In libertyes defence, 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.

西里亚克呀，这三年中，我这双眼，从外表看来，似乎可以避免接触污点，什么都看不见，久已失地去了光明，一年到头不见太阳，月亮或星星，无论男人女人，都不在我这等闲的眼中现形。可是我并不埋怨上天的手段或用心，我一点也没有减少我的希望和热情；我仍旧要向上，向前迈进。你要问这是什么在支持我吗？朋友，那是道义呀，我为了保卫自由而失明，保卫自由，这是我崇高的职务，全欧罗巴到处都以这事为谈话的中心。这个思想引导我穿透世界的假面具，我虽然瞎了也满意，我有了无上的指针