| When I consider how my light is spent
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| Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
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| And that one talent which is death to hide,
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| Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
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| To serve therewith my Maker, and present
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| My true account, lest He returning chide;
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| «Doth God Exact day-labor, light denied?»
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| I fondly ask; |
| but Patience, to prevent
|
| That murmur, soon replied: «God doth not need
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| Either man’s work or His own gifts; |
| who best
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| Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best; |
| His state
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| is kingly; |
| thousands at His bidding speed,
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| And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
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| They also serve who only stand and wait |