18. THE GENERAL DECAY OF FAITH. The story of Arthur is intended to show
how faith survives, although the form be changed. See esp. _Morte
d'Arthur_, ll. 240-242.
27-28. 'HE BURNT--SOME TWELVE BOOKS.' This must not be taken literally.
See, however, p. xxxiii. of the Biographical Sketch, as to Tennyson's
hesitation in treating the subject.
48-51. This is self-portraiture. Lord Tennyson's method of reading was
impressive though peculiar.