Being in some degree aware of these difficulties, though
doubtless unacquainted both with their extent and the means by
which they may be modified or surmounted, I have, nevertheless,
ventured to draw up the following traditional narrative as a
story in which, when the general details are known, the interest
is so much concentrated in one strong moment of agonizing
passion, that it can be understood and sympathized with at a
single glance. I therefore presume that it may be acceptable as
a hint to some one among the numerous artists who have of late
years distinguished themselves as rearing up and supporting the
British school.
Enough has been said and sung about
"The well-contested ground,
The warlike Border-land,"
to render the habits of the tribes who inhabited it before the
union of England and Scotland familiar to most of your readers.
The rougher and sterner features of their character were softened
by their attachment to the fine arts, from which has arisen the
saying that on the frontiers every dale had its battle, and every
river its song. A rude species of chivalry was in constant use,
and single combats were practised as the amusement of the few
intervals of truce which suspended the exercise of war.
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