A John Milton Sonnet

On His Blindness

"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

Brief Passage in Time

Historic Philadelphia, the contemporary one, captures perhaps 300 years as a period piece from the past.   This photo was shot on Clinton (link to upcoming movie that has a set here), outside our bed and breakfest, near 11th and Spruce this past weekend.  We were in town for a graduation ceremony at the University of Pennsylvania. I missed the school's 254th commencement on Monday. I did make the College of Arts and Sciences graduation at Franklin Field last Sunday though.  George Smith, the co-inventor of the charge-coupled device spoke at the ceremony. I much appreciated his speech and his reference that "specialization is for insects."  [My daughter pointed out that this was a quote from one of Heinlein's books...]

How do you package one daughter's life into a ceremony for so many lives that are just beginning in a very rich world undergoing significant, if not transformational change. All the memories and that hope you have sent off with your child into the world.

Alas, travel back in time. Watched the movie, "Robin Hood" last night. The Lady and the Knight. Can't help, but like Cate and Russell Crowe both in their own way. And the story, well, I did like the movie and I have always liked the story.  I guess, based on a visit to Britain some years ago, I have always been fascinated by the Magna Carta and the late 12th century or so. Connections to the past both on a personal level and really for the America society I would guess are still pretty strong. And I liked the quote you know: "Rise and Rise Again Until Lambs Become Lions."

Tempting to think that modern society is that much more civilized. Only time will tell I suppose in many ways.