CHIEF POET OF THE AGE.

BY

WILLIAM G. KINGSLAND.

NEW EDITION,

With Biographical and other Additions.

J. London:

7. W. FARVIS & SON,

28, KING WILLIAM STREET, STRAND.

1890.

23444.33

HARVARD COLLEGE

MAY 27 1892

LIBRARY

Shapings fund.

* THE PORTRAIT of Mr. Browning is from the last Photograph of the Poet taken, and reproduced by photogravure by kind permission of Mr. W. H. Grove, 174, Brompton Road, S.W.

PRINTED BY S. AND J. BRAWN, 13, GATE STREET, HIGH HOLBORN, W.C

57-620 23-1

PREFACE.

I AM gratified to find that this book has been so favourably received as to call for a second edition; a circumstance which has afforded me the opportunity of correcting some errors, and of somewhat enlarging the scope of the work, and thereby adding, I would fain hope, to its usefulness. My main purpose has been to offer a sort of manual for beginners in the study of Browning. There are various treatises in existence dealing critically with the poems; but none, it seemed to me, specially intended as a guide to beginners. My object is, primarily, to call attention to the simplest of the poems, while remarking on the leading characteristics of the poet's genius, in the hope that the reader may be induced thereby to study the complete works of Robert Browning. Of course, for more advanced students, the "Handbook" of Mrs. Orr is the guide to the full understanding of Browning.

My thanks are due to Mr. J. T. Nettleship (the well-known animal painter), for some kindly criticism, to which I have given heed; also to Mr. Thos. J. Wise and Mr. P. Jenner

B

use

Weir; and in a special degree to my friend Miss C. G. Barnard, from whom I have received much valuable help, and who in America as in England has been untiring in her efforts to make known this little work. I had hoped to have obtained Mr. Browning's approval of this new edition; but can now only record the kindliness and heartiness with which he granted his permission to whatever extracts I required: on one occasion writing: "As for the poems you require, pray help yourself to them as liberally as you please"; and again: "I am most happy to allow as many extracts from my poetry as you please to make." I may here be pardoned for quoting a letter I received from the poet, on my forwarding him a copy of the first edition of this work, with an intimation that a large-paper copy would follow:

19, WARWICK CRESCENT, W., March 17th, 1887.

My dear Kingsland,

How can I be other than most grateful to you for your generous belief in me? unwarranted as it may be by anything I have succeeded in doing, although somewhat justi fied perhaps by what I would fain have done if I could. But it is now a long time indeed since I have been assured of your sympathy, and proud of your friendship. As for the