But, as soon as you begin to appreciate the charm of ancient poetry, to be impressed by Scandinavian Sagas or Highland superstition or Welsh bards, or allow yourself to enjoy Spenser's idealised knights and ladies in spite of their total want of common sense, or to appreciate Paradise Lost although you no longer accept Milton's scheme of theology, it becomes plain that the specially poetic charm must consist in something else; that it can appeal to the emotions and the imagination, though the doctrine which it embodies is as far as possible from convincing your reason.
"English Literature and Society in the Eighteenth Century"
Leslie Stephen
Ye greater bards the lyre should hit, To say what subject is more fit, Than to record the sparkling wit And bloom of lovely Peggy.
"Superwomen"
Albert Payson Terhune
It will help us to understand how closely the ancient symbols have affected our own life and age-though we have forgotten their relation with the Otherworld-by offering a few examples, beginning with the ancient Irish bards who were associated with the Druids.
"The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries"
W. Y. Evans Wentz