My Virtual Reading Room

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

"They are not long, the weeping and the laughter,
Love and desire and hate.
I think they have no portion in us after
We pass the gate."
.....

"...Better to weave in the web of life
A bright and golden filling,
And do God's will with a ready heart
And hands that are swift and willing,
Than to tear the delicate silver threads
Of our curious lives asunder,
And then Heav'n blame for the tangled ends,
And watch and grieve and wonder."