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Symbols are part of Milton's method, and it is likely that the term "light" in the poem refers to the concept of time and chronological movement. Since Milton was not born blind, it is likely that in his youth, he used his sense of sight to observe the world, interact within the confines of society, and as his sight faded, use his hands and pen to right the wrongs he previously observed. "Talent," then, is likely to mean his active poetry and what the word can do, over time, to en-lighten the ignorant (in the true sense of "not knowing.") Thus -- "And that one talent which is death to hid//Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent//to serve there with my Maker, and present//My true account."

Similarly, Milton was famous for imbibing his work with punny wordplay, not as obvious to the modern reader as it was...
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