modern world of the civilization and learning of ancient Greece and
Rome." Again, "The Heretic's Tragedy" and "Holy-Cross Day" picture
most vividly the methods resorted to by the dying church in its
attempts to keep control of the souls of a humanity seething toward
religious tolerance.

With only a small space at command, it is difficult to decide on the
poems to be touched upon, especially where there is not one but would
repay prolonged attention, due no less to the romantic interest of the
stories, the marvellous penetration into human motives, the grasp of
historical atmospheres, than to the originality and perfection of
their artistry.

A word must be said of "The Flight of the Duchess" and "Childe Roland
to the Dark Tower Came," both poems which have been productive of many
commentaries, and both holding their own amid the bray [sic] of
critics as unique and beautiful specimens of poetic art. Certainly no
two poems could be chosen to show wider diversity in the poet's genius
than these.

The story told by the huntsman in "The Flight of the Duchess" is
interesting enough simply as a story, but the telling of it is
inimitable. One can see before him the devoted, kindly man, somewhat
clumsy of speech, as indicated by the rough rhymes, and
characteristically drawing his illustrations from the calling he
follows. Keen in his critical observation of the Duke and other
members of the household, he, nevertheless, has a tender appreciation
of the difficulties of the young Duchess in this unloving artificial
environment.