But the most striking piece of true biography which "Pauline" contains, is its evidence of the young writer's affectionate reverence for Shelley, whom he idealizes under the name of Sun-Treader.
"A Handbook to the Works of Browning (6th ed.)"
Mrs. Sutherland Orr
"Anger perhaps it was-this terrible counselor-that at times persuaded them that it was necessary for the people to shed blood at the Divine command, and that brought before their sanguinary eyes the vision of Isaiah; they have then seen, and caused their fanatic followers to see, the meek Lamb converted into an inexorable avenger, descending from the summit of Edom, proud in the multitude of his strength, trampling the nations under foot, as the Treader tramples the grapes in the wine-press, their garments raised, and covered with blood to the thighs.
"Pepita Ximenez"
Juan Valera
Generously the poet repays his debt to Shelley, whom he apostrophises as "Sun-Treader," and invokes in strains of lofty emotion-"Sun-Treader-life and light be thine for ever."
"Life of Robert Browning"
William Sharp