The Only Use of
Orpheus
in
The Merchant of Venice
- …and unhandled colts, Fetching mad bounds, bellowing and neighing loud, Which is the hot condition of their blood; If they but hear perchance a trumpet sound, Or any air of music touch their ears, You shall perceive them make a mutual stand, Their savage eyes turn'd to a modest gaze By the sweet power of music: therefore the poet Did feign that Orpheus drew trees, stones, and floods; Since nought so stockish, hard, and full of rage, But music for the time doth change his nature.†
Scene 5.1
Definition:
-
(Orpheus) Greek mythology: a great musician; when his wife Eurydice died he went to Hades to get her back but failed