頌詩譯選
當我思量
當我思量我的光如何耗完，
進入黑暗無邊的世界，還未到中年，
而且埋藏才幹的人是該死的罪愆，
懷才莫展，雖然我心魂深願
要事奉造我的主，以後在祂面前
交帳，免得在祂再臨遭責受譴：
“神怎要求白晝工作而不給化日光天，
我想要質問；但忍耐阻攔
那樣的抱怨，立即回答：“神並不需要
人的工作或他的才幹；最善
負祂輕省的軛的人，事奉最完善；祂權威
尊嚴。急速遵行祂差遣的盈千累萬
遍佈於洋海陸地工作不倦；
但也有的只是侍立和隨伴。”
On His Blindness 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,
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."
John Milton, 1608-1674
English poet