It might well be represented on the stage as a literary drama before those who had already read it, and who would listen to it for its passion and poetry; but its ill-construction and the unnaturalness of its situations will always prevent, and justly, its public success as a drama.

It is full of pathetic and noble poetry; its main characters are clearly outlined and of a refreshing simplicity.

It has few obtrusive metaphysical or intellectual subtleties--things which Browning could not keep out of his dramas, but which only a genius like Shakespeare can handle on the stage.

It has real intensity of feeling, and the various passions interlock and clash together with some true dramatic interaction.

Their presentation awakens our pity, and wonder for the blind fates of men.