by John Milton (1608 - 1674)

When I consider how my life is spent
 (Sung text for setting by G. Finzi)
 See original
Language: English 
Our translations:  GER ITA
When I consider how my life 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."

Composition:

    Set to music by Gerald Finzi (1901 - 1956), "When I consider how my life is spent", op. 12 no. 1 (192-?) [ tenor or soprano and small orchestra ], from Two Sonnets, no. 1

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

  • GER German (Deutsch) [singable] (Walter A. Aue) , "Sonett XIX: Wenn ich bedenke, wie mein Licht verblich", copyright © 2010, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
  • HUN Hungarian (Magyar) (Árpád Tóth) , "A vak szonettje"
  • ITA Italian (Italiano) (Ferdinando Albeggiani) , copyright © 2010, (re)printed on this website with kind permission


Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]

This text was added to the website: 2008-01-08
Line count: 14
Word count: 114