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.
What release to write so that one forgets oneself, forgets one's companion, forgets where one is or what one is going to do next to be drenched in sleep or in the sea. Pencils and pads and curling blue sheets alive with letters heap up on the desk.
I've been alienating my public since I was 20 years old. When 'American Buffalo' came out on Broadway, people would storm out and say, 'How dare he use that kind of language!' Of course I'm alienating the public! That's what they pay me for.
Pixar films are not realistic. They are believable for the worlds we are creating.
The bartenders are the regular band of Jack, and the heavenly drummer who looks up to the sky with blue eyes, with a beard, is wailing beer-caps of bottles and jamming on the cash register and everything is going to the beat - It's the beat generation, its bΓ©at, it's the beat to keep, it's the beat of the heart, it's being beat and down in the world and like oldtime lowdown.
We are persons of quality, I assure you, and women of fashion, and come to see and to be seen.
Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer - and often the supreme disappointment.
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