ances are a mixture of popular tales,
of literary invention, and of history as transmitted in legend. To the
charm of fairy tale they add the fascination of the age of chivalry,
yet I am not sure but that children will prefer the fairy tale pure
and simple, nor am I sure that their taste would be wrong, if they
did.

In the versions here offered, the story of Arthur is taken mainly from
Malory's compilation, from sources chiefly French, but the opening of
the Graal story is adapted from Mr. Sebastian Evans's 'High History of
the Holy Graal,' a masterpiece of the translator's art. For permission
to adapt this chapter I have to thank the kindness of Mr. Evans.

The story of Roland is from the French Epic, probably of the eleventh
century, but resting on earlier materials, legend and ballad. William
Short Nose is also from the _chanson de geste_ of that hero.

The story of Diarmid, ancient Irish and also current among the
Dalriadic invaders of Argyle, is taken from the translations in the
Transactions of the Ossianic Society.

The story of Robin Hood is from the old English ballads of the
courteous outlaw, whose feast, in Scotland, fell in the early days of
May. His alleged date varies between the ages of Richard I. and Edward
II., but all the labours of the learned have thrown no light on this
popular hero.

A child can see how _English_ Robin is, how human, and possible and
good-humoured are his character and feats, while Arthur is half
Celtic, half French and chivalrous, and while the deeds of the French
Roland, and of the Celtic Diarmid, are exaggerated beyond the
possible. There is nothing of the fairylike in Robin, and he has no
thirst for the Ideal. Had we given the adventures of Sir William
Wallace, from Blind Harry, it would have appeared that the Lowland
Scots could exaggerate like other people.

The story of Wayland the Smith is very ancient. An ivory in the
British Museum, apparently of the eighth century, represents Wayland
making the cups out of the skulls. As told here the legend is adapted
from the amplified version by Oehlenschlaeger. Scott's use of the story
in 'Kenilworth' will be remembered.

All the romances are written by Mrs. Lang, except the story of Grettir
the Strong, done by Mr. H. S. C. Everard from the saga translated by
Mr. William Morris.

A. LANG.

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_The Dr