She poetically counted the ways she loved one man and flush with love for yet another creature, paid multiple ransoms for the latter’s safety. How many times was a ransom paid?

gonnzo

"Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s cocker spaniel, Flush, who was snatched and ransomed no fewer than three times. Each time, Browning dutifully paid up....Taking pet dogs hostage is not a new idea. As the social reformer Henry Mayhew wrote, in 1861, it was a popular racket in Victorian London. Nappers used a piece of liver or a bitch in heat to lure dogs from their owners, whereupon financial negotiations would begin." http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2009/01/05/090105ta_talk_julian Feb 23 09, 11:58 PM

edmund80

Correct. Also, upon reading this: "Flush, her cocker spaniel, knew something was afoot the first time Browning called on Elizabeth, and he tried to nip the romance in the bud by biting Browning on the ankle," http://www.netpets.com/dogs/reference/277/dog277monthly.html I couldn't help thinking that perhaps Mr. Browning may have had a hand in those repeated abductions! Feb 24 09, 12:30 AM