1812–1889
Robert Browning
English poet known for dramatic monologues spoken by vivid characters, including "Andrea del Sarto" and "Rabbi Ben Ezra".
Every line we carry
Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.
- A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?
The painter in the poem is technically flawless and knows his work lacks soul because he never aimed past what he could do. Browning says aim higher than you can reach. Falling short of a great goal beats hitting a small one.
"Andrea del Sarto" (Men and Women, 1855), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- Less is more.
Browning's painter uses the phrase about his own careful, restrained art. It later became a motto of good design. Cut what is not needed and what remains gets stronger.
"Andrea del Sarto" (Men and Women, 1855), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- Speak as they please, what does the mountain care?
Critics argue about how a mountain is drawn; the mountain stands there. Browning's point is that the real thing does not depend on commentary. Be solid enough that talk does not move you.
"Andrea del Sarto" (Men and Women, 1855), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be.
Browning's old rabbi says the last part of life is what the first part was for. Age is not decline but harvest. Plan to get better, not just older.
"Rabbi Ben Ezra" (Dramatis Personae, 1864), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- Welcome each rebuff that turns earth's smoothness rough.
Every setback is a sting that says don't sit, don't stand, go. Smooth roads make soft travelers. Welcome the rough stretch; it is moving you.
"Rabbi Ben Ezra" (Dramatis Personae, 1864), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- Strive, and hold cheap the strain.
Effort costs something, and Browning tells you to treat the cost lightly. The strain is not the point; the striving is. Pay it and keep going.
"Rabbi Ben Ezra" (Dramatis Personae, 1864), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- Dare, never grudge the throe.
A throe is a sharp pang, like the pain of giving birth. Anything new costs some pain to bring into the world. Dare it, and do not resent the cost.
"Rabbi Ben Ezra" (Dramatis Personae, 1864), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- What I aspired to be, and was not, comforts me.
Browning finds comfort, not shame, in his unmet ideals. Wanting to be more is what separates a person from a brute. The gap between who you are and who you want to be is a good sign.
"Rabbi Ben Ezra" (Dramatis Personae, 1864), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- Life succeeds in that it seems to fail.
Browning calls this a paradox that comforts while it mocks. The failures are part of how a life succeeds. Count the misses as part of the score.
"Rabbi Ben Ezra" (Dramatis Personae, 1864), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- We fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, sleep to wake.
Browning's last published poem describes the man he hoped he was. Every fall is the first half of rising. Lose, learn, come back better.
"Epilogue to Asolando" (1889), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- One who never turned his back but marched breast forward.
This is how Browning wished to be remembered. Not perfect, not always winning, just facing forward. Walk into what comes, chest first.
"Epilogue to Asolando" (1889), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- Never doubted clouds would break.
Hope here is not a mood but a settled habit. Weather always changes. Keep marching like you know it will.
"Epilogue to Asolando" (1889), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)
- Greet the unseen with a cheer.
Browning asks his friends not to mourn him but to cheer him on into what he cannot see. Meet the unknown, death included, in good spirits. A cheer is a choice.
"Epilogue to Asolando" (1889), Original English (Selections from the Poems and Plays of Robert Browning, 1909)