SIR WALTER SCOTT'S USE OF THE SUPERNATURAL IN THE "BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR"
The supernatural machinery in Sir Walter Scott's Monastery is generally
and, no doubt, correctly, set down as a mistake. Sir Walter fails, not
because the White Lady of Avenel is a miracle, but because being
miraculous, she is made to do what sometimes is not worthy of her.
This, however, is not always true, for nothing can be finer than the
change in Halbert Glendinning after he has seen the spirit, and the
great master himself has never drawn a nobler stroke than that in which
he describes the effect which intercourse with her has had upon Mary.
Halbert, on the morning of the duel between himself and Sir Piercie
Shafton, is trying to persuade her that he intends no harm, and that he
and Sir Piercie are going on a hunting expedition. "Say not thus," said
the maiden, interrupting him, "say not thus to me. Others thou may'st
deceive, but me thou can'st not. There has been that in me from the
earliest youth which fraud flies from, and which imposture cannot
deceive.
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