most ample scope was afforded by this theologyfor the marvellous. Every thing, common as wellas singular, was imputed to supernatural agents.Elves, fairies, sprights, magicians, dwarfs, inchan-ters, and giants, arose (22). But, while the lesserdivinities of these nations attracted notice, it wasto the supreme intelligence, that the most sincereand the most flattering worship was directed; andthis god, amidst the general cares which employedhim , found leisure to attend more particularly towar, and valued his votary in proportion to hiscourage. Thus religion and love came to inflame *and not to soften the ferocity of the German. Hissword gained to him the affection of his mistress *and conciliated the favor of his deity. The lastWas even fond of obeying the call of the valiant;he appeared to them in battle , and fought bytheir side (23). Devotion , of consequence, wasnot less meritorious than love or than valor (24).Christianity did not abolish this usage. It descendedto the middle ages. And, to love Gad and theladies , was the first lesson of chivalry (25).

But, though arms, gallantry, and devotion *produced the institutions of chivalry, and formedits manners, it is not to be fancied, that they ope-rated these effects in a moment; and that, imme-diately on the settlements of the barbarians, thisfabric was erected. The conquerors of Rome con-tinued to feel and to practise in its provinces , theinstincts, the passions, and the usages to whichthey had been accustomed in their original feats.They were to be active and strenuous, without

E