The tales are arranged
chronologically, forming a somewhat irregular series from the earliest
records to those of a comparatively modern date. They may in point of
style appear at the commencement stiff and stalwart, like the chiselled
warriors, whose deeds are generally enveloped in a rude narrative, hard
and ponderous as their gaunt and grisly effigies. The events, however,
as the author has found them, gradually assimilate with the familiar
aspects and everyday affections of our nature--subsiding from the stern
and repulsive character of a barbarous age into the usual forms and
modes of feeling incident to humanity--as some cold and barren region,
where one stunted blade of affection can scarce find shelter, gradually
opens Out into the quiet glades and lowly habitudes of ordinary
existence.
The author disclaims all pretensions to superior knowledge. He would not
even arrogate to himself the name of antiquary. Some of the incidents
are perhaps well known, being merely put into a novel and more popular
shape. The spectator is here placed upon an eminence where the scenes
assume a new aspect, new combinations of beauty and grandeur being the
result of the vantage ground he has obtained.
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