Re: Lurkers

And Rosta scripsit:

> I've never understood it & forget where it's from. I assume it is supposed
> to mean "They who only stand and wait are also useful" -- but why? Of course,
> if it means "Sales and bar staff eventually get round to serving those who
> meekly and quietly stand waiting to be served", then the meaning is clear.
The former meaning is clearly intended.  It's the last line of
Milton's 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 Cowan                                   cowan@ccil.org
       I am a member of a civilization. --David Brin