The Maker of Plays The publication of _Paracelsus_ did not gain for Browning a large audience, but it brought him friends and acquaintances who gave his life a delightful expansion in its social relations.

John Forster, the critic, biographer and historian, then unknown to him, reviewed the poem in the _Examiner_ with full recognition of its power and promise.
Browning gratefully commemorated a lifelong friendship with Forster, nearly a score of years later, in the dedication of the 1863 edition of his poetical works.

Mrs Orr recites the names of Carlyle, Talfourd, R.
Hengist Horne, Leigh Hunt, Procter, Monckton Milnes, Dickens, Wordsworth, Landor, among those of distinguished persons who became known to Browning at this period.[18] His "simple and enthusiastic manner" is referred to by the actor Macready in his diary; "he looks and speaks more like a youthful poet than any man I ever saw." Browning's face was one of rare intelligence and full of changing expression.

He was not tall, but in early years he was slight, was graceful in his movements, and held his head high.

His dark brown hair hung in wavy masses upon his neck.