Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/159

Rh A few additional remarks upon the stories to follow, for which indulgence is bespoke, shall close, what I fear the reader may be disposed to consider, as toilsome a march as the doughty knights of old experienced, in gaining access to some enchanted castle. But let me whisper in his ear, that the distressed damsels whom his intrepidity shall relieve, are most of them passing fair, and gentle. He cannot display resolution in a better cause; and if (de gustibus non est disputandum!) their beauty sometimes disappoint his expectations, let him remember, that adoration has been offered them by past ages of heroic spirits: that bards, whose names are familiar in our mouths, as household words, have condescended to adopt them; and therefore, that they possess an undoubted claim to public consideration, if not on the ground of their own intrinsic excellence.