This question Mr. Browning asks himself, but is unable to answer. He concludes his book by telling us its intended lesson, and explaining why he has chosen to present it in this artistic form. The lesson is that which we have already learned from his Pope's thoughts:—
"... our human speech is naught,
Our human testimony false, our fame
And human estimation words and wind." (vol. x. p. 277.)
Art, with its indirect processes, can alone raise up a living image of that truth which words distort in the stating.
And, lastly, he dedicates the completed work to the "Lyric Love," whose blessing on its performance he has invoked in a memorable passage at the close of his introductory chapter.
TRANSCRIPTS FROM THE GREEK, WITH "ARTEMIS PROLOGIZES."
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.