The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-07-25
BROWNIES POEMS

BR0WNING'S POEMS"
+ 7aa; we suppose, to be reprint Of an tiugflsh
edition; it is in two volumes, and comprises all
the dranatie nieces and lyNcs az th;s xcg,sr ksbe
poet. The poetry of Browning must be studied
before we can do justice to it, Few take to it
kindly at the first, or like it altogether at the
last. The inspiration is not to be questioned
but the revelation is often unsatisfactory The
poets richest and most origin Il thought has often
an involved, mystical, and an imperfect expires
sion. One who would receive the high imagn,
ings and divinations of genius by some direct and
easy process, and through clear and pleasant
medium, would be perplexed and halfangered
by this poet ct the first reading, at least There
is often about his poetry dimness and density
which result from the depth of his thought and
the affiuence of his fancy. Paracelsus,n for in
stance, is unreliable to the mass !; but the enthu
siastic student receives it almost as new reyela
ton Of poetry. Yet it is not poem proper,
neither is it a regular drama; but "long, wind
ing, subtle, sweet, and varied talkn It is full Of
grand conceptions exquisite fancies--sometmes
only given in luminous hints, startling intma-
tons, and sometimes diffused and elaborated al
most to weakness and folly. Now comes ssr~sser
thought Of giant proportions, almost undraped
and wholly unadorned, followed by some little
old friend of ours, wrapt about and overloaded
by new and gorgeous dress Who can doubt
but that this poem, peculiar and in many passages
powerful as it is, would be greatly bettered il
compressed into half its present compass While
one poet spreads his poetry over SO wide an sx-
panse, and while its waters are often 80 unfathom
able or unclcar, think IL VIII remain luxury
for the few. This is an age Of preoccupation and
hurry; and not many Of us can stay to study out
the most solemn sounding of oracles, II given in
an unknown tongue, or turn aside from direct
and pleasant paths to explore wild forests, of
however magnificent growth, into which open no
clear and inviting vistas. Paracelsus," and in
deed, most of the poetry of Browning, is to be
studied, as we have said and alas the many do
not study, thus this poet can hardly be to them
priest, or interpreter. The "Biot in the 'Scmch-
con- and some Of the Dramatic Lyries,n are ex-
ceptions to these remarks We see nothing in
the way of their universal popularity. They
have power, tenderness melody, sufficient con-
densation and directness- wonderful fdel-
ity to nature, and ere informed with fine poeti-
cal philosophy. "Paracelsus" and the like la
bored poems seem carnations alone from the
large, unwisldy If such term may be used, intel
lectuality of the poet; but in the sweet and
mournful story of Mildred and Mertown beats
his warm human heart-so sympathetic, strong
and Mise in affection and Christ-like charity.
We regret that our limits will not allow us to
make extracts from some of our favorites in these
voames; yet we should hardly know when to
pause when once fairly in. Browning is one of
the richest Of authors in striking and quotable
passages Sometimes, amid his most Uniformed and
mystical language, comes a happy, lucid express
sion, bright rift, sudden revealing Of heaven
through clouds and shadows-verbal felicities
pleasant surprises Of humor, delicious turns Of
sentiment, and soft yet mastery touches of paihos
which would summon smiles to the sternest lip,
or from the coolest and most philosophical heart
roll away the stone which shuts down the foun-
tain Of tears. On the whole, Browning is 8 poet
whom all readers Of poetry should know, and
know perfectly. "Drink deep, or taste not" is
the rule, as regards poet Of his original genius
and peculiar style. One must cultivate liking
for him, we cultivate taste for olives and TO-
matoes. Few, we repeat, take to him with
genuine relish at first but, in the end, the re-
ward and the pleasure are certain, we think
Wemust not forget to commendth great neat
ness with which this work has been brought out,
by those most admirable and liberal publishers
Ticknor, Reed, & Fields. Their list Of late ana
forthcoming publications can hardly be equaiieo
by any American house. IL comprises more
works of a high character, from the best authors
Of our time, than any we remember to have seen
for years. Messrs Ticknor, Reed, Il Fields see"
to be especially the publishers and the fAvori'e'
Of poets, who have the taste and judgment 70
perceive that their sweetest verse will read ths
sweeter in clear type, with marginal sesting''
smooth and pure.
Among the forthcoming works announcer IN
their catalogue, our readers will be delighted "
learn, is the following: The Peef'eai Wra"s'V
Grace GreemvoOd--neariy ready, Nth fS p'''D''
pol l2moD
Few Of our literary writer's have "r''
or to 30 much purpose.
.Posxs xr Rossar BHowHSs' no -.
Read. Il Fields For sale by Taylor "s'''