Page:The German Novelists (Volume 1).djvu/14

It is due, in fairness to himself, that the editor should disclaim any pretensions to the more recondite learning and patient research which characterize the pursuits of the genuine antiquary. Nor would he feel himself justified in calling for that painful attention so requisite on the part of the reader, for a proper appreciation of such labours. He would not, however, be understood to insinuate the slightest depreciation of such works; works, which throw light and splendour upon by-gone days, and conjure up forms of living beauty, or of glory, which were fast disappearing in the mists of antiquity. He would rather avow that he hangs with delight over the pages of the gifted illustrators of our old poetry and drama, or of the living successors of our Ritsons and our Wartons, authors who have gone far to complete those great outlines of antiquarian learning and research chalked out by their predecessors. To the united efforts of Scott, of Weber, of Jamieson; of Herbert, of Douce, of Ellis, and of Dunlop; of Percy, of Johnstone, of Heber, and of Lockart; all of whom conjointly, or severally, have so ardently engaged in unfolding to us the concealed treasures of the past,—we are indebted for that proud distinction to which