ABSTRACT
Whenever the Browning Society gives token of its existence, it is impossible to avoid wondering what the more intelligent of the members think of one poem in particular, that entitled At the “Mermaid” This work was written several years before a number of well-meaning but unnecessarily officious persons decided upon taking up and patronizing a poet who must surely feel a sense of grim amusement at such patronage. Many writers have claimed for poets the power of prophecy since Cicero approved what Ennius said of those whose gifts were from the gods.1 Does it not appear as if Mr. Browning had foreseen the establishment of the Browning Society, and had with prophetic accuracy estimated the company of its members when he asked-
Which of you did I enable Once to slip inside my breast, There to catalogue and label What I like least, what love best, Hope and fear, believe and doubt of, Seek and shun, respect-deride? Who has right to make a rout of Rarities he found inside?
