The world, therefore, is entitled to expect a great deal from a
writer whose genius by many is considered to be of an epical
character. Nor does he seem to have disappointed expectation.
But the standard by which narrative poetry is gauged appears
about as low as that by which dramatic poetry is estimated. It
only remains for Art to set forth her requirements, and show
how far Tennyson, after a life-long study of his subject, has
fulfilled or fallen beneath them.
THE ART SCHOOL. 301



The feats of Arthur, the character of his Court, and the
romantic incidents of his reign, come down to us invested with
the magic drapery which the Crusaders imported from the East.
To realize the embodiment, however, of the most imaginary
stories, some attention to time and circumstance is necessary.
