which he had pondered. He
told the tragedian how deeply he had been impressed by his performance
of "Othello," and how this had deflected his intention from a modern and
European to an Oriental and ancient theme. "Browning said that I had
_bit_ him by my performance of 'Othello,' and I told him I hoped I
should make the blood come." The "blood" had come in the guise of a
drama-motive based on the crucial period in the career of Narses, the
eunuch-general of Justinian. Macready liked the suggestion, though he
demurred to one or two points in the outline: and before Browning left
he eagerly pressed him to "go on with 'Narses.'" But whether Browning
mistrusted his own interest in the theme, or was dubious as to the
success with which Macready would realise his conception, or as to the
reception a play of such a nature would win from an auditory no longer
reverent of high dramatic ideals, he gave up the idea. Some three
months later (May 26th) he enjoyed another eventful evening. It was the
night of the first performance of Talfourd's "Ion," and he was among the
personal friends of Macready who were invited to the supper at
Talfourd's rooms. After the fall of the curtain, Browning, Forster, and
other friends sought the tragedian and congratulated him upon the
success both of the play and of his impersonation of the chief
character. They then adjourned to the house of the author of "Ion." To
his surprise and gratification Browning found himself placed next but
one to his host, and immediately opposite Macready, who sat between two
gentlemen, one calm as a summer evening, and the other with a
tempestuous youth dominating his sixty years, whom the young poet at
once recognised as Wordsworth and Walter Savage Landor. Every one was in
good spirits: the host perhaps most of all, who was celebrating his
birthday as well as the success of "Ion." Possibly Macready was the only
person who felt at all bored--unless it was Landor--for Wordsworth was
not, at such a function, an entertaining conversationalist. There is
much significance in the succinct entry in Macready's journal concerning
the Lake-poet--"Wordsworth, who pinned me." ... When Talfourd rose to
propose the toast of "The Poets of England" every one probably expected
that Wordsworth would be named to respond. But with a kindly grace the
host, after flattering remarks upon the two great men then honouring him
by sitting at his table, coupled his toast with the name of the youn