Robert Browning

By Madison Julius Cawein

    Master of human harmonies, where gong     And harp and violin and flute accord;     Each instrument confessing you its lord,     Within the deathless orchestra of Song.     Albeit at times your music may sound wrong     To our dulled senses, and its meaning barred     To Earth's slow understanding, never marred     Your message brave: clear, and of trumpet tongue.     Poet-revealer, who, both soon and late,     Within an age of doubt kept clean your faith,     Crying your cry of"With the world all's well!"     How shall we greet you from our low estate,     Keys in the keyboard that is life and death,     The organ whence we hear your music swell?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem, an eloquent ode to a musician, masterfully employs rich musical imagery to explore themes of human connection, inspiration, and the transcendental power of art. The poet uses the metaphor of an orchestra to depict the unity and harmony that can be achieved through music, with 'gong,' 'harp,' 'violin,' and 'flute' symbolizing the diverse range of human emotions. The musician is elevated as a 'master' and 'lord' of this orchestra, commanding the instruments with a 'trumpet tongue.'

The tone of the poem is one of reverence and admiration, acknowledging the musician's ability to communicate complex and profound truths even when they may seem 'wrong' or misunderstood. The poet also addresses the musician as a 'Poet-revealer,' implying a parallel between the roles of a musician and a poet, both of whom can evoke emotions and insights in their audience through their craft. Despite the 'age of doubt,' the musician maintains 'clean faith,' emphasizing the resilience and hopeful message inherent in their music. The poem concludes with a humbling acknowledgment of mortality ('life and death'), while also celebrating the enduring impact of the musician's work, likened to an 'organ' from which we hear the music 'swell.' The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythmic meter, further echoes the musical theme and reinforces the sense of harmony and order.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.


Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.