210 THE EULOGY OF RICHARD JEFFERIES. 



ancestors. They succeed in conquering a sec- 

 tion, but are confronted by other invaders, for 

 the Irish, thinking that now is the time for 

 their revenge, land at Chester. These invaders 

 to some degree neutralize each other, yet they 

 form a standing menace to the South, and 

 more civilized portion. 



" The state of the site of London is fully 

 described. It is, I think, an original picture. 



" The second part, or ( Chronicles of the 

 House of Aquila,' treats of the manner of life, 

 the hunting journeys through the forest, the 

 feasts and festivals, and, in short, the entire 

 life of the time. Ultimately, one of them 

 starts on a voyage round the great inland 

 lake, and his adventures are followed. He 

 assists at a siege, and visits the site of 

 London. 



u All these matters are purposely dealt with 

 in minute detail so that they may appear actual 

 realities, and the incidents stand out as if they 

 had just happened. There is a love affair, but 

 it is in no sense a novel ; more like a romance, 

 but no romance of a real character. 



" First, you see, I have to picture the con- 



