Sweet bird, that shunn'st the noise of folly, Most musical, most melancholy!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Milton calls a bird that avoids foolish noise both musical and melancholy.
- In plain terms
- A quiet bird is both beautiful and sad.
- What can you take from it?
- Quietness can be both uplifting and wistful.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why does silence evoke sadness?
- What does music mean to you?
Another view
Interpretations of melancholy differ across cultures.
More from John Milton
And add to these retired Leisure, That in trim gardens takes his pleasure.
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Permalink to quote #87 And join with thee, calm Peace and Quiet, Spare Fast, that oft with gods doth diet.
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