To Mr. Cyriack Skinner Upon His Blindness

John Milton 1608 (Cheapside) – 1674 (Chalfont St Giles)



Cyriack, this three years day these eys, though clear
To outward view, of blemish or of spot;
Bereft of light thir seeing have forgot,
Nor to thir idle orbs doth sight appear
Of Sun or Moon or Starre throughout the year,
Or man or woman.  Yet I argue not
Against heavns hand or will, nor bate a jot
Of heart or hope; but still bear vp and steer
Right onward.  What supports me, dost thou ask?
The conscience, Friend, to have lost them overply'd                  
In libertyes defence, my noble task,
Of which all Europe talks from side to side.
This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask
Content though blind, had I no better guide.

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on April 07, 2023

36 sec read
117

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABBAABBACBCDCD
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 641
Words 119
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 14

John Milton

John Milton was the Secretary of State of Georgia from 1777 to 1799. more…

All John Milton poems | John Milton Books

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