Carlyle was, as formerly, "in great force, particularly in the damnatory clauses." But the weather was drooping, the skies misty, the air oppressive, and Mrs Browning, apart from these, had special causes of depression.

Her married sister Henrietta was away in Taunton, and the cost of travel prevented the sisters from meeting.

Arabella Barrett--"my one light in London" is Mrs Browning's word--was too soon obliged to depart to Eastbourne.

And the Barrett household was disturbed by the undutifulness of a son who had been guilty of the unpardonable crime of marriage, and in consequence was now exiled from Wimpole Street.

In body and soul Mrs Browning felt strong yearnings for the calm of Casa Guidi.
The year 1855 was a fortunate year for English poetry.