Skip to content

Anger Quote by Matthew Prior

“Fantastic tyrant of the amorous heart. How hard thy yoke, how cruel thy dart. Those escape your anger who refuse your sway, and those are punished most, who most obey.” quote by Matthew Prior
Download Open image
“Fantastic tyrant of the amorous heart. How hard thy yoke, how cruel thy dart. Those escape your anger who refuse your sway, and those are punished most, who most obey.”

Matthew Prior

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Amorous Heart", 1705

The speaker likens love to a tyrant, rewarding obedience while punishing those who resist, highlighting love’s paradoxical power.

In simple terms: Love is portrayed as a cruel ruler rewarding obedience.

Key Takeaway

Beware of love’s controlling tendencies.

Themes

love power obedience paradox emotional conflict

Mood

melancholic thoughtful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • self‑reflection
  • emotional health

Key Concepts

tyranny affection psychology control

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance love and autonomy?
  • When does affection become domination?
A Different Perspective

Love can be both nurturing and oppressive.

3.5 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Matthew Prior

Explore all 15 Matthew Prior quotes

More Anger quotes

Browse all 7,469 Anger quotes