When most enslaved by gross realities!

[48] Compare, in Robert Browning’s poem on Guercino’s picture of The Guardian-Angel at Fano——

Thou bird of God.

Ed.

“DESPONDING FATHER! MARK THIS ALTERED BOUGH”

Composed 1835.—Published 1835

One of the “Miscellaneous Sonnets.”—Ed.

Desponding Father! mark this altered bough,[49]

So beautiful of late, with sunshine warmed,