But here we find
the same paucity of incidents, varying only in character with the
climate which gave them birth; the leading features being evidently
common to each. The Scandinavian and the Hindoo, the European and the
Asiatic, construct their legends on the same basis; the same stories,
and even the same train of events, proving their common origin.
Mr Crofton Croker, a name familiar to all lovers of legendary lore, has
kindly communicated the following tale. In substituting this, in place
of what the author might have written on the subject, he feels convinced
that his readers will not feel displeased at the change, and assures
them it is with real gratification that he presents them with an article
from the pen of the writer of _The Fairy Legends_.
Not far from the little-snug smoky village of Blakeley, or Blackley,
there lies one of the most romantic of dells, rejoicing in a state of
singular seclusion, and in the oddest of Lancashire names, to wit, the
"Boggart-hole." Rich in every requisite for picturesque beauty and
poetical association, it is impossible for me (who am neither a painter
nor a poet) to describe this dell as it should be described; and I will
therefore only beg of thee, gentle reader, who peradventure mayst not
have lingered in this classical neighbourhood, to fancy a deep, deep
dell, its steep sides fringed down with hazel and beech, and fern and
thick undergrowth, and clothed at the bottom with the richest and
greenest sward in the world.
Pages:
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775