fancy which, supplying all chasms, shall collect the scattered lights into one constellation--a Lyre or a Crown. I trust for his indulgence towards a poem which had not been imagined six months ago; and that even should he think slightingly of the present (an experiment I am in no case likely to repeat) he will not be prejudiced against other productions which may follow in a more popular, and perhaps less difficult form." Mr. Browning, senior, paid for the publication of _Paracelsus_. In its final form, as here given, it is greatly changed, not in structure but in phrase. Mr. Cooke states that the change affects nearly a third of the lines. PERSONS AUREOLUS PARACELSUS, a student. FESTUS and MICHAL, his friends. APRILE, an Italian poet. I. PARACELSUS ASPIRES SCENE, _Würzburg: a garden in the environs_. 1512. FESTUS, PARACELSUS, MICHAL. _Paracelsus._ Come close to me, dear friends; still closer; thus! Close to the heart which, though long time roll by Ere it again beat quicker, pressed to yours, As now it beats--perchance a long, long time-- At least henceforth your memories shall make Quiet and fragrant as befits their home. Nor shall my memory want a home in yours-- Alas, that it requires too well such free Forgiving love as shall embalm it there! For if you would remember me aright, As I was born to be, you must forget All fitful, strange and moody waywardness Which e'er confused my better spirit, to dwell Only on moments such as these, dear friends! --My heart no truer, but my words and ways More true to it: as Michal, some months hence, Will say, "this autumn was a pleasant time," For some few sunny days; and overlook Its bleak wind, hankering after pining leaves. Autumn would fain be sunny; I would look Liker my nature's truth: and both are frail, And both beloved, for all our frailty. _Michal._ Aureole!