Much of Browning's work appeared to him to be "extravagant, perverse, topsy-turvy"; "there is no rest in him," Jowett wrote with special reference to the poems "Christmas Eve" and "Easter Day," which he regarded as Browning's noblest work.

But for the man his admiration was deep-based and substantial.

After Browning's first visit to him in June 1865, Jowett wrote that though getting too old to make, as he supposed, new friends, he had--he believed--made one.

"It is impossible to speak without enthusiasm of Mr Browning's open, generous nature and his great ability and knowledge.

I had no idea that there was a perfectly sensible poet in the world, entirely free from vanity, jealousy, or any other littleness, and thinking no more of himself than any ordinary man.