ABSTRACT
That it is Mr. Browning’s pleasure to be enigmatical, may now, we suppose, be considered as an accepted condition of his literary dealings with the public; and any further attempt on the critic’s part to obtain better terms, would seem to be a waste of time and argument. The subject of his mannerisms we shall, therefore, abandon, as one on which we have no motive to dwell further-taking leave of it, however, with this final hint:—that what Mr. Browning may, perhaps, consider as an evidence of strength is a sign of weakness-what he may regard as a portion of his wealth, is a witness of its limitation. The inaptitude for giving intelligible expression to his meanings, whether unconscious or artificial, whether its cause be affectation or incapacity, is a defect, lessening the value, in any available sense, of the meanings themselves; and the riches which can be turned to no account lose their character of riches. Golden thoughts affect simple forms; and where the precious metal is most abundant, men have least time and temptation to work it into strange and fantastic characters. Mr. Browning’s style is, therefore, primâ facie evidence against his muse; and, for his own sake-and something for the public’s-we wish it were not so; because they who will take the trouble to question further, will find that its implied testimony does not report quite truly.
