An antique brass horn lies on dark wood with red roses, scattered petals and golden feathers spilling from its bell.

Original artwork, not a still

Alexander's Feast

John Dryden

Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.

Behind the line

What it means

Our 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.

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