Hoyt & Roberts, comps. Hoyts New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations. 1922.
Blindness
Oh, say! what is that thing calld light, Which I must neer enjoy? What are the blessings of the sight? Oh, tell your poor blind boy! Colley CibberThe Blind Boy.
O loss of sight, of thee I most complain! Blind among enemies, O worse than chains, Dungeon, or beggary, or decrepit age! MiltonSamson Agonistes. L. 67.
These eyes, tho clear To outward view of blemish or of spot, Bereft of light, their seeing have forgot, Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear Of sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year, Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not Against Heavens hand or will, nor bate a jot Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer Right onward. MiltonSonnet XXII. L. 1.
And when a damp Fell round the path of Milton, in his hand The Thing became a trumpet; whence he blew Soul-animating strainsalas! too few. WordsworthScorn Not the Sonnet; Critic, You Have Frowned.