Another group of works detaches itself from any possible scheme of
classification: These are Mr. Browning's transcripts from the Greek.
The "Alkestis" of Euripides, imbedded in the dramatic romance called
"Balaustion's Adventure." 1871.
The "Herakles" of Euripides, introduced into "Aristophanes' Apology."
1875.
The "Agamemnon" of Æschylus, published by itself. 1877.
They are even outside my subject because they are literal; and therefore
show Mr. Browning as a scholar, but not otherwise as a poet than in the
technical power and indirect poetic judgments involved in the work. All
I need say about this is, that its literalness detracts in no way from
the beauty and transparency of "Alkestis" or "Herakles," while it makes
"Agamemnon" very hard to read; and that Mr. Browning has probably
intended his readers to draw their own conclusion, which is so far his,
as to the relative quality of the two great classics. Some critics
contend that a less literal translation of the "Agamemnon" would have
been not only more pleasing, but more true; but Mr. Browning clearly
thought otherwise. Had he not, he would certainly have given his author
the benefit of the larger interpretation; and his principal motive for
this indirect defence of Euripides would have disappeared.
Mr. Browning has also given us an original fragment in the classic
manner:--
"ARTEMIS PROLOGIZES." ("Men and Women,"[30] published in "Dramatic
Lyrics," in 1842.) This was suggested by the "Hippolytos" of Euripides;
and destined to become part of a larger poem, which should continue its
story. For, according to the legend, Hippolytos having perished through
the anger of Aphrodité (Venus), was revived by Artemis (Diana), though
only to disappoint her affection by falling in love with one of her
nymphs, Aricia. Mr. Browning imagines that she has removed him in secret
to her own forest retreat, and is nursing him back to life by the help
of Asclepios; and the poem is a monologue in which she describes what
has passed, from Phaedra's self-betrayal to the present time. Hippolytos
still lies unconscious; but the power of the great healer has been
brought to bear upon him, and the unconsciousness seems only that of
sleep. Artemis is _awaiting the event_.
The ensuing chorus of nymphs, the awakening of Hippolytos, and with it
the stir of the new passion within him, had already taken shape in Mr.
Browning's mind. Unfortunately, something put the inspiration to flight,
and it did not return.[31]