I hope, however, I have said enough not only to prove the point that these poems give complete expression to the thought of the age, but that Browning appears in them, to borrow an apt term from Whitman, as the "answerer" of the age.
"The Three Heron's Feathers"
Hermann Sudermann
This is manifestly the case, that the Enemies of the Government, had endeavour'd to insinuate into the People such Principles, as this answerer now publishes: and therefore his Majesty, who is always tender to preserve the affections of his Subjects, desir'd to lay before them the necessary reasons, which induc'd him to so unpleasant a thing, as the parting with two successive Parliaments.
"His Majesties Declaration Defended"
John Dryden
A nephew of Don Antonio's, a smart sharp-witted student, was the answerer, and as he had been told beforehand by his uncle who the persons were that would come with him that day into the chamber where the head was, it was an easy matter for him to answer the first question at once and correctly; the others he answered by guess-work, and, being clever, cleverly.
"The History of Don Quixote, Vol. II., Part 38"
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra