Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-26
THE POET BROWNING.
His Personal characteristics in
Youth, Manhood and Old Age.
FAILURE OF DRAMATIC POETRY.
A Rich American Widow and the Circle
Which Surrounds Her.
DOROTHY DENE, AN ARTISTS MODEL
WRITTEN FOR THE DISPATCH.

It is said that great poets are always
lovers from the cradle-that is one of the
signs. An old marquise, who had lived
in the passionate days (and nights) Of
France under Alfred de Musset, told me
once as bit of advice, as she showed me
the collection of antique laces which be-
came her passion in her old age, my dear,
never think lightly of boy loVer-the
great men of the world are made out of
them, and they learn more from their sweet
hearts than their schoolmasters, so in one
sense we are responsible for them. A boy
of 10 once drowned himself because I
laughed at his passion, and. often think OF
what 1 may have robbed the world, for the
letters which are among my dearest treas
ures, and over which I have shed many
tears, tell me that he would one day have
been great"
Browning's childhood was full of stormy
loves. 1 wonder if he remembers them him
self now and looks back to them from the
snow-capped SUBMITS of his age.
Poor little fellow! He was often very un-
happy, it is recorded, when sighted by
some grand lady he thought was like
queen and to whom he would like to be
knight erraut. Aus he wrote humorous
translations from Horace, at II his poems
had most passionate Byronic flavor and
he had tried his hand on some prose essays
on Typical Souls" (the white" soul of
Mary Anderson was not then N existence
and, of course, not then subject of literary
discussion-while now, unfortunately, what
should have been flag of truce, has been
the cause of deadly battle between two
most distinguished dramatic critics).
A PECULIAR STYLE.
The turning point of Robert Browning's
life and the forming OF his artistic style
seems to have occurred during his first
Italian journey, when he made tour of the
monastic libraries and fingered long over
their precious volumes. 1t was then he
learned to love that quaint vocabulary,
those mystical allusions, strange names and
obsolete twistings of meaning that now form
the decorative element of his poetry. He
has retained his passion, but now keeps it
in an embroidered case, so quantity enriched
and delicately illuminated that it is some
times somewhat difficult to recognize. Some
think he belongs to the ''spasmodic school,"
that he endeavors to be obscure, some that
he cannot help it.
Robert Browning is one of the most cele-
brated men of the age, but he is also one
of the most accessible; he has none of Ten
nyson's or Carlyle's rudeness when ap-
preached from without. He goes out
great deal in society and has an especial
weakness for dinners He is short and
stout, with white hair and glow of ruddy
health. He wears his hair quite long and
has a mustache and goatee. He enjoys
the best of health and has an almost boyish
flow of animal spirits and enthusiasm.
Society is his life and he is always en-
evidence. He dimes out nearly every night
and loves balls and receptions. Most
agreeable in conversation, OF course he is
well posted on every subject and his friends
number the great men of the entire world.
He is great firt and very proud of his
conouests OF course, all bow down to the
Browning name, one of the grandest in lit
erature, much sought after bv all classes of
society. His presence is thought to put
most learned and distinguished stamp on
any reunion. Mrs. Browning compared his
heart to ripe pomegranate-the emblem of
immortality-it certainly contains all the
seeds of life and is red and full of sweetness
to the core.
FOND OF THE TABLE.
Tennyson, although unlike Browning, re-
sembles him in being a great diner-out.
But the table-talk of poets is so uninterest-
ing-poetical lions do not howl when they
are fed. / know young girl who worked
for months to get an invitation to dinner
where Tennysou was to be; she even sat
next to him, but she said he only turned to
her once during the meal, and then glared
at her fercely and said, 81 like my mutton
cut in chunks"
1t was thought for a long time that
Robert Browning would marry Mrs. Bloom
field Moore, the rich American widow, who
is the special patron and sustainer of the
"Keely motor" and we'll known in London
society, where she lives in great magnif-
cence. Her circle is a most interesting one,
including many of the nobility and the
leading artistic and literary lights of Lon
don. Some two years ago she announced
that her circle was complete and she wished
to open her doors to no new acquaintance.
Browning is always there and most de-
voted in his attentions. Mrs. Moore is an
elegant woman, about 60 years old Drown
ing is nearly S0), with white hair combed
over roll, and portly but COM
manding figure; she has many dla-
monds and dresses in good taste. She was
left with a comfortable property, but
has SO managed it that it has increased to
enormous proportions. She has written a
little poetry herself and even a novel or two;
she poses as patron of art and literature,
but especially of Keely. One day in
Philadelphia she was told man lay dying
of starvation. She climbed many attic
stairs, and at last found him in a bed,
haggard and gaunt. The room was devoid
of furniture, but strewn with strange
machines and models. He could scarcely
speak. She sent for food and wine, and
when he was recovered, listened to his
story. She helped him with large sums to
carry out his plans and in gratitude he
told her all his secrets of power. "Now we
are the god and goddess of the material
world!" he cried.
II the "motor" ever runs the world and
performs the wonders which she asserts to
have been performed in her presence, the
world will owe to Mrs. Bloomfield Moore
its preservation.
PRIVATE THEATRICALS.
In London there is Drowning So
cietv," composed of many members who
meet for the study of the poets works and
the production Of his plays. It's leading
member is Alma Murray. an actress of
earnest purpose but little talent, who per-
formed the role OF Beatrice in the secret per-
formance of 1.-THE Cerci." by the Shelley
Society, which caused a sensation some four
years ago. On account of its revolving SUBJ
iect and the hot passion of the speeches, it
had always been prohibited from the En-
glish stage, so was performed Gun
abridged'') before the society with closed
doors and no one but members allowed ad-
mittance.
When any poetic tragedy or Greek
play is privately performed in London
Alma Murray is always given the leading
role. She is neither beautiful nor talented
and has not high position on the regular