medicine. He is referred to by Walter Scott as the "wondrous wizard,
Michael Scott."

Thomas of Ercildoun--called the Rhymer--supposed by Sir Walter Scott, but
erroneously, as is now believed, to be the author of "Sir Tristram."

_The King of Tars_ is the work of an unknown author of this period.


In thus disposing of the authors before Chaucer, no attempt has been made
at a nice subdivision and classification of the character of the works, or
the nature of the periods, further than to trace the onward movement of
the language, in its embryo state, in its birth, and in its rude but
healthy infancy.




CHAPTER VII.

CHAUCER, AND THE EARLY REFORMATION.


A New Era--Chaucer. Italian Influence. Chaucer as a Founder. Earlier
Poems. The Canterbury Tales. Characters. Satire. Presentations of
Woman. The Plan Proposed.



THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA.