But these doctrines were the symptoms of his optimism, they were not its origin.
It is surely obvious that no one can be argued into optimism since no one can be argued into happiness.

Browning's optimism was not founded on opinions which were the work of Browning, but on life which was the work of God.

One of Browning's most celebrated biographers has said that something of Browning's theology must be put down to his possession of a good digestion.

The remark was, of course, like all remarks touching the tragic subject of digestion, intended to be funny and to convey some kind of doubt or diminution touching the value of Browning's faith.

But if we examine the matter with somewhat greater care we shall see that it is indeed a thorough compliment to that faith.