It seems to have receded a millennium in time.

It has the terrible fierceness of an Attic tragedy, but it also has the decorum which the Attic tragedy never violated.

There is no slaughter in the presence of the audience, despite the humbleness of its personages.

It does not keep us perpetually in sight of the shambles.

It is, indeed, an exposition of chivalry; rustic, but chivalry nevertheless.