我这样考虑到：末及半生，就已然

When I consider how my light is spent,

在黑暗广大的世界里失去了光明，

Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,

同时那不运用就等于死亡的才能

And that one Talent which is death to hide

对我已无用，纵然我灵魂更愿

Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent

用它来侍奉造我的上帝，并奉献

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

我的真心，否则他回首斥训——

My true account, least he returning chide;

于是我呆问：“上帝不给光．却要人

"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"

在白天工作？”——可是忍耐来阻拦

I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent

这怨言，答道：“上帝不强迫人作工，

That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need

也不收回赐予：谁最能接受

Either man's work or his own gifts; who best

他温和的约束，谁就侍奉得最好：

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state

他威灵显赫，命千万天使奔跑，

Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed

赶过陆地和海洋，不稍停留：——

And post o'er Land and Ocean without rest:

只站着待命的人，也是在侍奉。”

They also serve who only stand and wait."