Books
Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.
— John Dryden ‧ Alexander's Feast
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Rage and gentle desire sit at opposite ends of this brief description of feeling. Both can be stirred from within: one swells, while the other catches like a small flame. Those physical images make emotion seem something that can grow or be kindled.
Context reviewed