“Great abilites are not requisitefor an Historian; for in historical composition, all thegreatest powers of the humanmind are quiescent. He has facts ready to his hand; so there is no exercise of invention. Imagination is not required in any degree; only about as much as is used in the lowest kinds of poetry. Some penetration, accuracy, and colouring, will fit a man for the task, if he can give theapplication which is necessary.”
