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.
I couldn't possibly write 'Next to Normal,' but God, I can weep and watch 'Next to Normal' five times.
I think all songs should have weather in them. Names of towns and streets, and they should have a couple of sailors. I think those are just song prerequisites.
One of the convenient things about literature is that, despite copyrights [...] a book belongs to the reader as well as to the writer.
She lives the poetry she cannot write.
Wit can be beautiful, because it expresses and distills an idea.
I love 'Glee.' I cry all the time when I watch 'Glee' because I don't know if it's satire or melodrama and that makes me feel like the writing is aware of itself, and that makes it okay to cry.
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