Ossian Collection > Aspects of poetry

CHAPTER XII.
'THE WHITE DOE OF RYLSTONE.'
What induced Wordsworth for once to stray into
the field of romance, and to choose for his theme this
last effort of decaying chivalry — Wordsworth whose
genius we generally associate with incidents which are
homely, and subjects which are reflective ? His other
poems all turn upon modern persons and experiences.
But The White Doe of Rylstone goes back to the feudal
period of England's history, just before its close. In
choosing such a theme, does not Wordsworth seem to
have forsaken his proper region, and to have trespassed
for once upon the domain of Scott? For is not the
story of the 'Fall of the Nortons'just such an one as
might have inspired one of Scott's metrical romances ?
So at first sight it might seem. And yet a closer study
of this poem will, perhaps, show more than anything
else could, how wide is the contrast between the genius
of the two poets. The whole way in which Wordsworth
handles the subject, and the peculiar effect which he
brings out of it, are so unlike Scott's manner of treat-
ment, are so entirely true to Wordsworth's special vein