It is quite clear that Tennyson was a distinctively English poet and a patriotic poet; at times too much of a patriot to judge tolerantly, or to write fairly, about other countries.

He had, at least, a touch of national contempts, even of national hatreds.

His position towards France was much that of the British sailor of Nelson's time.

His position towards Ireland was that of the bishop, who has been a schoolmaster, to the naughty curate who has a will of his own.

His position towards Scotland was that of one who was aware that it had a geographical existence, and that a regiment in the English army which had a genius for fighting was drawn from its Highlands.