Metastasio quotes

Metastasio was an Italian poet and one of the most celebrated librettists of the 18th century. His works played a crucial role in shaping the tradition of opera seria across Europe. He became renowned for the poetic beauty and dramatic intensity of his librettos. Here are 9 of his quotes:

The bee and the serpent often sip from the selfsame flower. (Metastasio)
The canker which the trunk conceals is revealed by the leaves, the fruit, or the flower. View quote
Metastasio
To take away life is a power which the vilest of the earth have in common; to give it belongs to gods and kings alone. View quote
Metastasio
The fiery lava in the hollow bosom of the earth, if it be restrained, in spite of its prison, bursts forth with greater force; then flows abroad, but, as it flows, subverts, beats down, and overthrows plains, mountains, forests, and cities. View quote
Metastasio
Know that the slender shrub which is seen to bend, conquers when it yields to the storm. View quote
Metastasio
That water which falls from some Alpine height is dashed, broken, and will murmur loudly, but grows limpid by its fall. View quote
Metastasio
What will the stream become in its lengthened course, if it be so turbid at its source? View quote
Metastasio
If our inward griefs were seen written on our brow, how many would be pitied who are now envied! View quote
Metastasio
In the dark a glimmering light is often sufficient for the pilot to find the polar star and to fix his course. To the pilgrim often a single footstep suffices to enable him to find his way across the bewildering plain. View quote
Metastasio

Metastasio

Metastasio - Image
Occupation: Italian Poet
Born: January 3, 1698
Died: April 12, 1782
Quotes count: 9
Wikipedia: Metastasio

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