note, p.

167 below), was abandoned.

"Blougram's" splendid and genial duplicity already attracted him, but the analysis of the meretricious figure of Napoleon became a congenial problem only to that later Browning of the 'Sixties and 'Seventies who was to explore the shady souls of a Guido, a Miranda, and a Sludge.

On the other hand, deeply as he felt the sorrows of Italy, it was no part of his poetic mission to sing them.

The voice of a great community wakened no lyric note in him, nor did his anger on its behalf break into dithyrambs.
Nationality was not an effectual motive with him.