Hunger, if not speedily satisfied, or any unseasonable delay in obtaining what we earnestly desire, excites the bile in the nostrils. To raise or heat the bile, is used metaphorically for inflaming the passions; and as some men, and many animals, are observed to inflate or blow out their nostrils when angry, it is said to excite the bile in that organ. The bull, when enraged, is described as breathing fire from his nostrils, and of the horse it is said, «the glory of his nostrils is terrible». The impatience with which we support delay in gratifying our expectation is beautifully painted by Solomon in the following: « Hope deferred, maketh the heart sick, but when it is accomplished, it is a tree of life».
Fuente: Erasmo, 1760.
