 favourable or the reverse,
might attach to it, as a new production of the Author of Waverley; but this
intention was afterwards departed from, for reasons to be hereafter mentioned.
    The period of the narrative adopted was the reign of Richard I., not only as
abounding with characters whose very names were sure to attract general
attention, but as affording a striking contrast betwixt the Saxons, by whom the
soil was cultivated, and the Normans, who still reigned in it as conquerors,
reluctant to mix with the vanquished, or acknowledge themselves of the same
stock. The idea of this contrast was taken from the ingenious and unfortunate
Logan's tragedy of Runnamede, in which, about the same period of history, the
author had seen the Saxon and Norman barons opposed to each other on different
sides of the stage. He does not recollect that there was any attempt to contrast
the two races in their habits and sentiments; and indeed it was obvious, that
history was violated by introducing the Saxons still existing as a high-minded
and martial race of nobles.
    They did, however, survive as a people, and some of the ancient Saxon
families possessed wealth and power, although they were exceptions to the humble
condition of the race in general. It seemed to the author, that the existence of
the two races in the same country, the vanquished distinguished by their plain,
homely, blunt manners, and the free spirit infused by their ancient institutions
and laws; the victors, by the high spirit of military fame, personal adventure,
and whatever could distinguish them as the Flower of Chivalry, might, intermixed
with other characters belonging to the same time and country, interest the
reader by the contrast, if the author should not fail on his part.
    Scotland, however, had been of late used so exclusively as the scene of what
is called Historical Romance, that the preliminary letter of Mr. Laurence
Templeton became in some measure necessary. To this, as to an Introduction, the
reader is referred, as expressing the author's purpose and opinions in
undertaking this species of composition, under the necessary reservation, that
he is far from thinking he has attained the point at which he aimed.
    It is scarcely necessary to add, that there was no idea or wish to pass off
the supposed Mr. Templeton as a real person. But a kind of continuation of the
Tales of my Landlord had been recently attempted by a stranger, and it was
supposed this Dedicatory Epistle might pass for some imitation of the same kind,
and thus, putting inquirers upon a false scent, induce them
