Who, as they sung, would take the prison'd soul And lap it in Elysium.
Interpretation
This quote suggests the transformative power of art and music to elevate the soul from confinement to a state of bliss.
In this quote by John Milton, the imagery of 'prison'd soul' illustrates the idea of human suffering and confinement, while 'Elysium' represents a state of paradise or ultimate happiness. Through the act of singing or creating art, one can uplift the spirit and transcend the limitations of earthly existence, finding liberation and solace in beauty and creativity.
In practice
During a therapy session, one might reference this quote to emphasize the healing power of music.
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.
It is psychologically very hard to go through life without the justification, and the hope, provided by religion.
Race is a constant factor in American life. Yet reacting to every incident,real or imagined, is crippling, tiring, and ultimately counterproductive.
For, dear me, why abandon a belief, Merely because it ceases to be true, Cling to it long enough, and not a doubt, It will turn true again, for so it goes.
The solemn pledge to abstain from telling the truth was called socialist realism.
The execution was set for the 29th of March, at nine in the morning. This delay was due to a desire on the part of the authorities to act slowly and impersonally, in the manner of planets or vegetables.
If goodness were only a theory, it were a pity it should be lost to the world. There are a number of things, the idea of which is a clear gain to the mind. Let people, for instance, rail at friendship, genius, freedom, as long as they will -the very names of these despised qualities are better than anything else that could be substituted for them, and embalm even the most envenomed satire against them.
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