"To pass to the deluge, and beyond it, and to come to close quarters with our proper division, the origin of Romance itself is a very debatable subject, or rather it is a subject which the wiser mind will hardly care to debate much"

George Saintsbury's quote discuss the evasive and frequently contentious nature of pinpointing the origins of Romance as a literary category. The passage starts with a metaphorical journey "to pass to the deluge, and beyond it", recommending a traversal through vast and potentially overwhelming historical and literary landscapes. The "deluge" may metaphorically reference the abundance of stories and misconceptions that predate what is generally acknowledged as Romance literature, which includes impressive tales, folklore, and mythological narratives from numerous cultures. This imagery underscores the intricacy of tracing Romance's starts in the middle of such a tumultuous sea of early narratives.

Saintsbury then emphasizes his concentrate on the "proper department", most likely referring to the specific classification and understanding of Romance literature itself. By mentioning its origins as a "really arguable subject", he acknowledges the difficulties scholars face in reaching a consensus. This dispute stems from varying point of views on what constitutes the defining attributes of Romance literature-- be it its thematic aspects, narrative structure, or historic and cultural contexts-- and when, traditionally, it initially emerged.

The expression "the wiser mind will barely care to debate much" reflects Saintsbury's point of view that engaging in substantial arguments over the exact origins may be useless or unnecessary. Instead, he discreetly recommends that accepting the fundamental obscurity and welcoming the intricacy of Romance's advancement is a more rational technique. This might indicate a choice for delighting in and studying the abundant tapestry of Romance literature as it exists, rather than being extremely interested in its precise starts.

Ultimately, Saintsbury highlights the significance of valuing literature for its thematic and psychological resonance. The origins, while interesting, need to not overshadow the satisfaction and understanding of Romance's contributions to culture and literature.