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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失明者的内省--约翰。弥尔顿
Gao xing 译
当我于这无边的黑暗
思忖我的光是如何在前半生就已完全耗散,
深知把上帝赐给的那个泰伦特藏起不用即为死罪,[1]
而如今它在我这里却得不到体现,
尽管我真心想用它来侍奉我主, 并彰显
我真实的能力,以免主人归来责难,
“难道上帝会使用一个日工, 却不让他承受光明?”
我冒失地问; 但“忍耐”却阻止我发声,
并回答说,上帝既不需要人为祂做工,
也不需要他展现其赋禀,
负其轻轭乃是最好的奉献,[2]
祂的王国在天: 数不清的天使们
领命在陆地上和海洋中奔波往返:
而那些只是站立等待者也同样诚虔。
[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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