Sonnet 19 (Sonnet XIX)
When I consider how my light is spent
John 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
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."
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失明者的內省--約翰。彌爾頓
Gao xing 譯
當我於這無邊的黑暗
思忖我的光是如何在前半生就已完全耗散,
深知把上帝賜給的那個泰倫特藏起不用即為死罪,[1]
而如今它在我這裏卻得不到體現,
盡管我真心想用它來侍奉我主, 並彰顯
我真實的能力,以免主人歸來責難,
“難道上帝會使用一個日工, 卻不讓他承受光明?”
我冒失地問; 但“忍耐”卻阻止我發聲,
並回答說,上帝既不需要人為祂做工,
也不需要他展現其賦稟,
負其輕軛乃是最好的奉獻,[2]
祂的王國在天: 數不清的天使們
領命在陸地上和海洋中奔波往返:
而那些隻是站立等待者也同樣誠虔。
[1] Parable of the talents— Matthew 25:24–30, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_talents_or_minas
[2] “Yoke” in Bible Mt 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
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