约翰·弥尔顿《失明》

(1608-1674)

我思索如何渡过余生
在这黑暗广阔的世界上，

那种被死神藏匿的才能

在我这里毫无用场，

虽然我灵魂扭曲

但我愿终身侍奉我主

以免被他责问，

“上帝强求你只在光明中劳作吗?”

我天真地自问。唯有忍耐，才能

听到回答:“上帝不需要任何人的劳作

和奉献：谁能更好地承受

他温和的枷锁，谁就服侍得最好。

他至高无上；万众依照他的安排

在陆地和海洋上奔波：他们

也服侍那些站着等待的人。”

［老英译］

“On His Blindness” 

byJohn Milton(1608-1674)

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

Lodg’d 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.”