"The Lost Leader" by Robert Browning (poetry reading)

This is about William Wordsworth's apostasy to the Liberal/Radical cause of which he was formerly the leading light. Wordworth had become Poet Laureate - the riband to stick in his coat - and a supporter of the establishment and the Tories. Browning did deny that it was aimed at Wordsworth or any particular person but the inspiration is obvious.

The first line seems to compare him with Judas Iscariot who sold out Jesus for a handful of silver.

Sorry but I make a mess misreading the last two lines on the first page. Please forgive me.

The relationship between Browning and Wordsworth was so intense and involved that John Haydn Baker found enough material for a book with that title, which can be previewed on Google Books:
http://tinyurl.com/kvvtgk

The last portrait is of William Wordsworth.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Lost
• Leader
• Robert
• Browning
• Wordsworth