8. _Comer._ The invocation probably refers to the spirit of love with its inspiring, transforming power. "NEVER THE TIME AND THE PLACE" This poem was published in _Jocoseria_ in 1883. It is doubtless to be grouped with the poems that refer directly to Mrs. Browning. THE PATRIOT Browning says that this poem has no direct historical reference. He calls it "An Old Story," because in all ages men have experienced this unjust reversal of public approval. The poem is merely an imaginative, dramatic representation of the fickleness of popular favor. INSTANS TYRANNUS The title of this poem means "Threatening Tyrant." It comes from Horace's "Ode on the Just Man," in _Odes_, III, 3, i. The just man is not frightened by the frown of the threatening tyrant--_non vullus instantis tyranni_. Archdeacon Farrar refers the incidents to persecution of the early Christians. The poem certainly deals with some period when the ruler of a great realm had unlimited power to follow out his most insignificant animosities, and when just men and just causes had no human recourse. The general idea of the poem is clear and forcible, but there are many minor difficulties of interpretation. 6. _What was his force?_ An ironic question. The man groveled because he was powerless to resist, and (line 10) because resistance might bring even worse punishment. 11. _Were the object_, etc. If the man could be made rich, if his life could be crowded with pleasures, if there could be found relatives or friends whom he loved, then there would be obvious ways of hurting him, he would stand forth in sufficient importance to make the swing of the tyrant's hand effective. But as it is, the man's poverty and friendlessness and meagerness of life render it difficult to find out vulnerable points of attack. He remains hidden (_perdue_) and, like the midge of the egg of an insect (_nit_), is safe through his very insignificance. 21. _spilth._ That which is poured out profusely. The _flagon_ is a vessel with one handle and a long narrow neck or spout. 35. _Then a humor_, etc. The tyrant goes through various changes of mood in his attitude toward his enemy. In lines 35-43 he feels a moment of contemptuous compunction at the man's suffering, and recognizes the absurdity of a contest between a great king and a person as insignificant as a tricksy elf, a toad, or a rat. But in line 44 his mood turns. He perceives that the burden (_gravamen_) of the whole matter lies in the incredibly petty nature of this unconquerable, baffling opposition to his will. He sees how the situation would awaken the wonder of the great lords who abjectly obey his lightest word, but he concludes that, after all, the small becomes great if it vexes you.