DARK AGES, a term formerly used to cover the whole period between the end of classical civilization and the revival of learning in the 15th century. The use of the term implied an exclusive respect for classical standards in literature and art and a corresponding disparagement of all that was achieved between the decline of ancient culture and the work of Renaissance scholars, writers and artists. With the progress of mediaeval studies in the 19th century it became impossible for historians to dismiss one of the great constructive periods in human ac tivity with an epithet implying contempt for its achievements, and the phrase has now become obsolete. It remains, neverthe less, the fact that the six centuries following the collapse of the Roman empire are in an especial sense dark through the insuf ficiency of historical evidence. Even so, it is necessary to re member that intellectual work of the highest quality was done by exceptional individuals in ages when life was insecure and its environment very discouraging to thought. The ages which form the prelude to mediaeval history are dark when compared with the time which followed them, but the foundations of mediaeval civilization were laid in these obscure and troubled centuries.
(F. M. S.) DARLEY, GEORGE (1 7 Irish poet, was born in Dublin and educated at Trinity college. He settled in London in 1822, where he contributed to The London Magazine, and became dramatic and art critic to the Athenaeum. His best known works are a fairy opera, Sylvia (1827), and a poem "Nepenthe" (1839).