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The Difficulty of Proof

In such a case as that before us the difficulty of proof is almost insuperable. But fortunately we are dealing with a point not of law but of history.

Proof is not in the first instance required, but only surmise, to be followed by an argument of probability. Such records as still exist are all the proofs that can be adduced; and all we can do is to search for such records as still exist, without which we lack the enlightenment that waits on discovery. In the meanwhile we can deduce a just conclusion from such materials as we do possess. Failing certitude, which is under the circumstances almost impossible, we only arrive at probability; and with that until discovery of more reliable material we must be content. Let us therefore sum up: first the difficulties of the task before us; then the enlightenments. "Facts," says one of the characters of Charles Dickens, "bein' stubborn and not easy drove," are at least, so far as they go, available. We are free to come to conclusions and to make critical comments.

Our risk is that if we err-on whichever side does not matter-we reverse our position and become ourselves the objects of attack.

Our main difficulties are two. First, that all from whom knowledge might have been obtained are dead and their lips are closed; second, that records are incomplete. This latter is the result of one of two causes-natural decay or purposed obliteration. The tradition of the Bisley Boy has several addenda due to time and thought. One of these is that some of those concerned in the story disappeared from the scene.