Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing Such notes as, warbled to the string, Drew iron tears down Pluto's cheek.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the power of music and art to evoke deep emotions.
In this line, Milton references Orpheus, a figure from Greek mythology known for his enchanting music that could move even the hardest of hearts, like the god Pluto. The imagery of 'iron tears' suggests that music can penetrate the soul and elicit profound feelings, illustrating the transformative and emotive power of artistic expression.
In practice
During a speech about the impact of art on society, one might quote this.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
The song that nerves a nation's heart is in itself a deed.
Architecture begins when you place two bricks carefully together.
It's always about the music, never about anything else.
I dance for no reason, for reasons you can't dance, Call me an activist of intellectualized circumstance You can't learn my steps until you unlearn your thoughts Spirit, soul, can't be store-bought.
I am a poet who composes what life proses, and who proses what life composes.
Poetry can't give us the laws and institutions and representatives, the antidotes we need: only public activism by massive numbers of citizens can do that.
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