The dramatic form, though still preserved, sets strongly towards monologue; the entire second act foreshadows unmistakably the great portrait studies of _Men and Women_; it might be called _Ogniben_ with about as good right as they are called _Lippo Lippi_ or _Blougram_; the personality of the supple ecclesiastic floods and takes possession of the entire scene; we see the situation and the persons through the brilliant ironic mirror of his mind.

The Chiappino of the second act is Ogniben's Chiappino, as Gigadibs is Blougram's Gigadibs.

His "tragedy" is one in which there is no room for terror or pity, only for contempt.
All real stress of circumstance is excluded.

Both sides fight with blunted weapons; the revolt is like one of those Florentine risings which the Brownings later witnessed with amusement from the windows of Casa Guidi, which were liable to postponement because of rain.

The prefect who is "assassinated" does not die, and the rebellious city is genially bantered into submission.