"Love in the largest sense, as the divine principle working through all nature, is at the very center of Browning's creed. His is the heartiest, happiest, most beautiful poetic voice that his age has read. He stands apart from most others of his kind and age in the positiveness of his religious faith, a faith that is based upon a conviction of the conquering universality of love and self-sacrifice." "How They Brought the Good News" is without historical basis; the ride occurred only in the imagination of the poet. The inspiration came from Browning's longing for a horseback gallop over the English downs. Notes and Questions. Find Ghent and Aix la Chapelle on your map. What was probably the nature of the "good news" carried by the messengers? How many messengers were there? What makes you think so? What does the fifth stanza tell you? What tells you the praise given Roland? The rhythm suggests the gallop of the horses. In which lines is this suggestion most marked? Indicate the rhythmic movement. Words and Phrases for Discussion. "postern" "pique" "askance" "burgesses" "stirrup" "twilight" "haunches" "holster" "Good speed! cried the watch as the gate-bolts undrew" "With resolute shoulders each butting away The haze, as some bluff river headland its spray" * * * * * INCIDENT OF THE FRENCH CAMP ROBERT BROWNING You know, we French stormed Ratisbon: A mile or so away, On a little mound, Napoleon Stood on our storming-day; With neck out-thrust, you fancy how, Legs wide, arms locked behind, As if to balance the prone brow Oppressive with its mind. Just as perhaps he mused, "My plans That soar, to earth may fall, Let once my army-leader, Lannes, Waver at yonder wall,"-- Out 'twixt the battery-smokes there flew A rider, bound on bound Full-galloping; nor bridle drew Until he reached the mound. Then off there flung in smiling joy, And held himself erect By just his horse's mane, a boy: You hardly could suspect-- (So tight he kept his lips compressed, Scarce any blood came through) You looked twice ere you saw his breast Was all but shot in two. "Well," cried he, "Emperor, by God's grace, We've got you Ratisbon! The marshal's in the market-place, And you'll be there anon To see your flag-bird flap his vans Where I, to heart's desire, Perched him!" The chief's eye flashed; his plans Soared up again like fire. The chiefs eye flashed; but presently Softened itself, as sheathes A film the mother eagle's eye When her bruised eaglet breathes: "You're wounded!" "Nay," the soldier's pride Touched to the quick, he said: "I'm killed, sire!" And his chief beside, Smiling, the boy fell dead. HELPS TO STUDY. Notes and Questions. On your map find Ratisbon on the Danube River. What picture have you of Napoleon from reading this poem?