Scott, indeed, shows signs of having possessed
something of that "detachment" which is one important qualification
in the Historian proper; there is a fairness and prevision in his
historical judgments which we look for in vain when reading the
works of his contemporaries.
And, having thus touched on what I believe to be the true relation
between Romance and History, I may note, as a last word, the use of
the Historical Tale to those who have the training of young folk.
That "desire to know," which is an essential for all true learning,
is sometimes best fostered by methods outside the ordinary School
routine. Thus, as regards History, where the text-book fails in
arousing interest, the tale may succeed, and, once the spirit of
inquiry has been stimulated, half the battle is gained. In saying
this I am far from wishing to imply that the reading of romances
can ever take the place of genuine historical study. I know well
that such a book as Green's "Short History of the English People"
may prove to some more fascinating than any novel. There are,
however, cases in which recourse may be had to a high-class work of
fiction for the attainment of a truer historic sense; while, taken
only as supplement to more strictly Academic reading, such a work
may prove to have its uses.
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