Read Jesus's account of the talents. Why does Milton say in line 3 that his talent is "death to hide"? In Jesus's story, the lazy servant is killed by robbers. In Jesus's story, the servant who neglects his talent is sent "into outer darkness." In Jesus's story, the servant who neglects his talent dies while trying to dig it up. In Jesus's story, the servant who neglects his talent is afraid to hide it.

This is a biblical excerpt. He refers to his skill as well as money, 'talent' was also a measuring unit for money. It is impossible to interpret what 'talent' exactly means. It most probably referrers to his knowledge, ability to read, write and speak that formed part of his work at the government (Oliver Cromwell's). The speaker is referring to his talents as 'death to hide' because his talent is all hidden that cannot be put to good use as it remains buried underneath.

Explanation:

This reference comes from the biblical story of three servants and the lord.

The servants are given talents (money) to keep while he goes on a trip.

Two of the three servants use it wisely to gain more money for the master.

The third however, keeps it hiding which means the money was idle.

The angry lord lashes out the third fellow into darkness or death.

In Jesus's story, the servant who neglects his talent is sent "into outer darkness."