ABSTRACT
Mr. Browning unites within himself more of the elements of a true poet than perhaps any other of those whom we call ‘modern’ amongst us; yet there are few writers so little read, so partially understood. He came into the literary forum in such a mysterious guise, (that Paracelsus of his), and carried his great gifts about him with such a careless air, that men took but little notice of the unostentatious stranger. This first work was by no means adapted to be a ‘noisy herald of his fame:’ it purports to be a sort of autobiography of the great Alchemist, and is almost as obscure as the subject itself. Yet Paracelsus won for its author instant consideration among the few who were capable of appreciating its merits: it exhibits great power and resources; but it is perhaps the most difficult simple poetry in the English language. The diction is remarkable for simplicity, even when expressing the most complex thought; and the whole poem has an easy rhythmical flow that almost lulls us into forgetfulness of its deep meanings. This is in itself an evidence of the ease and mastery of his subject possessed by the writer. Moreover, notwithstanding its occasional obscurity, this work possesses rare merit: without pausing to examine our author’s philosophy, we are struck by the nobleness, energy, and polish of his style, and still more by his delicate delineation of character. [Summarizes Paracelsus and Pippa Passes.]
One word must be said about the lesser poems, however hastily; and yet on second consideration it were better to be silent than to speak lightly of any man’s work. And these are work, strenuous nervous work, that makes the subject ring to the stroke of the workman. They are vigorous, versatile, original; but the knowledge of nature and truthfulness they display are strangely associated with, and expressed in strange words; ingenuity of rhymes is carried to an extreme; and the author will often persist in supposing that we know what he means so well, that there is no necessity for him to inform us on the matter.…
