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Into the street the piper stepped, Smiling first a little smile As if he knew what magic slept In his quiet pipe the while. And the piper advanced And the children followed.
Robert Browning
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the power of art and music to enchant and lead people, particularly children.

In this quote by Robert Browning, the piper symbolizes an artist or musician who possesses a unique talent that captivates the innocent and imaginative spirit of children. The magical allure of his music not only brings joy but also draws the children towards him, illustrating how art can evoke emotions and create a sense of wonder, highlighting the deep impact that creativity has on society.

Themes

MusicArtChildrenMagicImagination

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of arts education, one might quote this to emphasize how music inspires creativity in children.

More from Robert Browning

If two lives join, there is oft a scar. They are one and one, with a shadowy third; One near one is too far.
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Tis Man's to explore up and down, inch by inch, with the taper his reason.
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I think, am sure, a brother's love exceeds_x000D_ _x000D_ All the world's loves in its unworldliness.
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I dare not so honor my mere wishes and prayers as to put them for a moment beside your noble acts; but this know, I would rather submit to the worst of deaths, so far as pain goes, than have a single dog or cat tortured on the pretence of sparing me a twinge or two.
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How well I know what I mean to do When the long dark Autumn evenings come, And where, my soul, is thy pleasant hue? With the music of all thy voices, dumb In life’s November too! I shall be found by the fire, suppose, O’er a great wise book as beseemeth age, While the shutters flap as the cross-wind blows, And I turn the page, and I turn the page, Not verse now, only prose!
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How good is life, the mere living!
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