The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott, with memoir of the author.

THE BRIDAL OF TRIERMAIN. 19
mode of introducing romantic and fabulous narratives which
we very much approve, though there may be reason to fear
that too frequent repetition may wear out its effect. It attaches a degree of dramatic interest to the work, at the same
time softens the absurdity of a Gothic legend, by throwing
it to a greater distance from the relation and auditor, by representing it, not as a train of facts which actually took place,
but as a mere fable, either adopted by the credulity of former
times, or invented for the purposes of amusement, and the
exercise of the imagination."- Critical Review, 1813.]