Poems of Robert Browning; from the Author's Revised Text of 1889. His Own Selections with Additions from His Latest Works

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ... guard his store And gall the unbelievers too, He builds a shrine and, what is more, Procures a painter whom I knew, One Buti (he's with God) to paint A holy picture there--no less Than Virgin Mary free from taint Borne to the sky by angels: yes! VIII. Which shrine he fixed, --who says him nay?--A-facing with its picture-side Not as you'd think, the public way, But just where sought these hounds to hide Their carrion from that very truth Of Mary's triumph: not a hound Could act his mummeries uncouth But Mary shamed the pack all round! IX. Now, if it was amusing, judge!--To see the company arrive, Each Jew intent to end his trudge And take his pleasure (tho' alive) With all his Jewish kith and kin Below ground, have his venom out, Sharpen his wits for next day's sin, Curse Christians, and so home, no doubt! x. Whereas, each phiz upturned beholds Mary, I warrant, soaring brave! And in a trice, beneath the folds Of filthy garb which gowns each knave, Down drops it--there to hide grimace, Contortion of the mouth and nose At finding Mary in the place They'd keep for Pilate, I suppose! XI. At last, they will not brook--not they!--Longer such outrage on their tribe: So, in some hole and corner, lay Their heads together--how to bribe The meritorious Farmer's self To straight undo his work, restore Their chance to meet, and muse on pelf--Pretending sorrow, as before! XII. Forthwith, a posse, if you please, Of Rabbi This and Rabbi That Almost go down upon their knees To get him lay the picture flat. The spokesman, eighty years of age, Gray as a badger, with a goat's--Not only beard but bleat, 'gins wage War with our Mary. Thus he dotes: --XIII. "Friends, grant a grace! How Hebrews toil Thro' life in Florence--why relate To those who lay the...