But then there was a certain sympathy in Browning for Aristophanes.

The natural man was never altogether put aside by Browning.
Lastly, there is the fresh presentation of Balaustion, of the matured and experienced woman whom we have known as a happy girl.

Euthycles and she are married, and one night, as she is sitting alone, he comes in, bringing the grave news that Euripides is dead, but had proved at the court of Archelaos of Macedonia his usefulness as counsellor to King and State, and his power still to sing-- Clashed thence _Alkaion_, maddened _Pentheus'_ up; Then music sighed itself away, one moan Iphigeneia made by Aulis' strand; With her and music died Euripides.
And Athens, hearing, ceased to mock and cried "Bury Euripides in Peiraios, bring his body back." "Ah," said Balaustion, "Death alters the point of view.

But our tribute is in our hearts; and more, his soul will now for ever teach and bless the world.
Is not that day come?
What if you and I Re-sing the song, inaugurate the fame?
For, like Herakles, in his own _Alkestis_, he now strides away (and this is the true end of the _Alkestis_) to surmount all heights of destiny." While she spoke thus, the Chorus of the Comedy, girls, boys, and men, in drunken revel and led by Aristophanes, thundered at the door and claimed admittance.

Balaustion is drawn confronting them--tall and superb, like Victory's self; her warm golden eyes flashing under her black hair, "earth flesh with sun fire," statuesque, searching the crowd with her glance.