To the most erudite student of Chaucer in the wide world Chaucer's poetry should
be the dominant object of interest in connection with Chaucer.
But when the elaborate specialist confronts us, we are apt to forget that poetry
is meant for mankind, and that its appeal is, or should be, universal. We pay
tribute to the unusual: and so far as this implies respect for protracted industry
and indefatigable learning, we do right. But in so far as it implies even a
momentary confusion of the essentials with the accidentals of poetry, we do
wrong. And the specialist himself continues admirable only so long as he keeps
them distinct.
I hasten to add that Professor Skeat does keep them distinct very successfully.
In a single sentence of admirable brevity he tells us that of Chaucer's poetical
excellence "it is superfluous to speak; Lowell's essay on Chaucer in 'My
Study Windows' gives a just estimate of his powers." And with this, taking
the poetical excellence for granted, he proceeds upon his really inv
