Browning's England Part 53

Hearts prompt heads, hands that ply the pen Teach babes unborn the where and when --Tyrants, he braved them,-- Patriots, he saved them-- "Westminster's Pym."

Another English musician, Arthur Chappell, was the inspiration of a graceful little sonnet written by the poet in an alb.u.m which was presented to Mr. Chappell in recognition of his popular concerts in London. Browning was a constant attendant at these. It gives a true glimpse of the poet in a highly appreciative mood:

THE FOUNDER OF THE FEAST

1884

"Enter my palace," if a prince should say-- "Feast with the Painters! See, in bounteous row, They range from t.i.tian up to Angelo!"

Could we be silent at the rich survey?

A host so kindly, in as great a way Invites to banquet, subst.i.tutes for show Sound that's diviner still, and bids us know Bach like Beethoven; are we thankless, pray?

Thanks, then, to Arthur Chappell,--thanks to him Whose every guest henceforth not idly vaunts "Sense has received the utmost Nature grants, My cup was filled with rapture to the brim, When, night by night,--ah, memory, how it haunts!-- Music was poured by perfect ministrants, By Halle, Schumann, Piatti, Joachim."