John Milton

Mirth, admit me of thy crew,
To live with her, and live with thee,
In unreprov'd pleasures read more

Mirth, admit me of thy crew,
To live with her, and live with thee,
In unreprov'd pleasures free.

Far from all resort of mirth, / Save the cricket on the hearth!

Far from all resort of mirth, / Save the cricket on the hearth!

Or arm th' obdured breast
With stubborn patience as with triple steel.

Or arm th' obdured breast
With stubborn patience as with triple steel.

When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, read more

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-labor, 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.".

So spake the seraph Abdiel, faithful found,
Among the faithless faithful only he.

So spake the seraph Abdiel, faithful found,
Among the faithless faithful only he.