Quote by William Congreve
Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.N.B.: This quote is commonly misquoted as savage beast.
Summary
This quote, often misquoted as "savage beast," suggests the power of music to calm and pacify even the most aggressive or hostile individuals. The phrase "a savage breast" refers to a wild or fierce heart, implying that music has the ability to soothe and tranquilize even the most turbulent emotions. The additional mentions of "softening rocks" and "bending a knotted oak" further emphasize the idea that music possesses extraordinary persuasive and transformative qualities, capable of taming even the most inflexible and steadfast elements of nature.