Meaning: The quote "The sweetest noise on earth, a woman's tongue; A string which hath no discord." is attributed to the English poet Barry Cornwall. It captures the sentiment that the sound of a woman's voice is a beautiful and harmonious thing. This quote is often interpreted as a poetic celebration of the soothing and melodious nature of a woman's speech, likening it to a musical string without any discord or dissonance.

Barry Cornwall, whose real name was Bryan Waller Procter, was a 19th-century poet and dramatist known for his lyrical and romantic poetry. He was a contemporary and friend of influential literary figures such as Charles Lamb, William Wordsworth, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Cornwall's poetry often explored themes of love, nature, and the human experience, and his works were well-received during his lifetime.

In the context of the quote, "The sweetest noise on earth, a woman's tongue," it is important to consider the historical and cultural significance of gender roles and perceptions of women's voices. Throughout history, women's voices have been associated with nurturing, comfort, and emotional expression. The quote can be seen as a reflection of the traditional beauty and allure attributed to the speech of women.

The comparison of a woman's tongue to "a string which hath no discord" further emphasizes the idea of harmony and lack of discord. In music, a string that produces no discordant sounds is in perfect harmony, creating a pleasing and balanced musical experience. Similarly, the quote suggests that a woman's voice possesses a natural grace and harmony that brings a sense of tranquility and pleasure to those who hear it.

It is important to note that while the quote may be interpreted as a poetic celebration of the beauty of a woman's voice, it also reflects historical gender stereotypes and the objectification of women. In contemporary society, there is a growing awareness of the need to challenge and redefine traditional gender roles and perceptions. It is crucial to recognize that the value of a person's voice should not be determined by their gender, but rather by the content of their speech and the respect they are accorded as individuals.

In conclusion, the quote "The sweetest noise on earth, a woman's tongue; A string which hath no discord," attributed to Barry Cornwall, encapsulates a poetic celebration of the beauty, harmony, and grace associated with a woman's voice. While it reflects historical perceptions of gender and the traditional associations with women's speech, it also prompts us to consider the evolving understanding of gender roles and the importance of valuing individuals based on their unique qualities and contributions.