For in the whole range of literature there is no composition which is a more perfect work of art, or which more rigidly excludes whatever does not subserve its main end.
"The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I"
Marcus Dods
Sordello, on the other hand, represents the boundless aspirations which art may subserve, but which must always leave it behind.
"A Handbook to the Works of Browning (6th ed.)"
Mrs. Sutherland Orr
This he based on certain features in Nature which appeared to him incompatible with the work of a beneficent Author, mainly the existence of suffering amongst animals in whose case it cannot be supposed to subserve any purpose of moral benefit.
"The Old Riddle and the Newest Answer"
John Gerard