An enthusiasm of effort and of strenuous endurance, an enthusiasm of rest in knowledge, an enthusiasm of self-abandonment to God and the divine purpose make up the poem.

At no time did Browning write verse which soars with a more steadfast and impassioned libration of wing.

Death in _Rabbi Ben Ezra_ is death as a friend.

In the lines entitled _Prospice_ it is death the adversary that is confronted and conquered; the poem is an act of the faith which comes through love; it is ascribed to no imaginary speaker, and does not, indeed, veil its personal character.

No lonely adventure is here to reward the victor over death; the transcendent joy is human love recovered, which being once recovered, let whatever God may please succeed.