The essay which I am about to read should be taken as a continuation of a speech delivered by me before the Royal Geographical Society in February 1882, regarding the ‘birth-place and cradle of Mahratta power.’ The subject of the speech was in a great degree geographical, and the intention was to show how history is affected by geography. The subject of this essay is an analysis of human character as exhibited in vast spheres of action. Nevertheless, for a due understanding of the men it is necessary to bear the geography in mind, for the significance of the events cannot be apprehended without a general idea of the physical surroundings.

Having by your favour in a former paper tried to dissect the early history of Sweden, I propose to do the same now for Norway. My purpose is not to enter into the region of very early tradition where there is no foothold for criticism, but rather to try and throw some light on that border-ground where history and fable meet, and which is lit up, when illuminated at all, by very dim twilight.

It will be seen by the above title that my present purpose is not to attempt a history of Bridges. That indeed would be an herculean task: for the materials lie scattered through the histories of nations, and no serious attempt has been made to bring them into a manageable compass. Still I assume it will be expected that I shall present such an historical review as may serve to make the subject intelligible to those who have not heretofore turned their attention to it.

Among the many services done the cause of historical research by Mr. John Richard Green, whose premature loss all lovers of history are mourning, the last and not the least was to point out in his own matchless language the part played by the Keltic Church in the conversion of the English to Christianity. I wish to emphasise his hint on the greatness of the part played by the Keltic Churches—to show how far reaching it was in its effects; and that, after the time of S. Augustine, amidst great difference of opinion, there was no touch of antagonism between the Keltic and Italian missions.