What is spreading?

Famous quotes containing the word spreading:

    It is my duty to prevent, through the independence of Cuba, the U.S.A. from spreading over the West Indies and falling with added weight upon other lands of Our America. All I have done up to now and shall do hereafter is to that end.... I know the Monster, because I have lived in its lair—and my weapon is only the slingshot of David.
    José Martí (1853–1895)

    “Vengeance upon the murderers,” the cry goes up,
    “Vengeance for Jacques Molay.” In cloud-pale rags, or in lace,
    The rage-driven, rage-tormented, and rage-hungry troop,
    Trooper belabouring trooper, biting at arm or at face,
    Plunges towards nothing, arms and fingers spreading wide
    For the embrace of nothing....
    William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)

    ... less and less of luck, and more and more
    Of failure spreading back up the arm
    Earlier and earlier ...
    Philip Larkin (1922–1986)