But tis hard to give _Rules_ for that, for which there have been none
already given; for where there are no footsteps nor path to direct, I
cannot tell how any one can be certain of his way. Yet in this
difficulty I will follow _Aristotle's_ Example, who being to lay down
Rules concerning _Epicks_, propos'd _Homer_ as a Pattern, from whom he
deduc'd the whole Art: So I will gather from _Theocritus_ and
_Virgil_, those Fathers of _Pastoral_, what I shall deliver on this
account. For all the Rules that are to be given of any Art, are to be
given of it as excellent, and perfect, and {53} therefore ought to be
taken from them in whom it is so.
The first Rule shall be about the _Matter_, which is either the
_Action_ of a _Shepherd_, or contriv'd and fitted to the _Genius_ of a
Shepherd; for tho _Pastoral_ is simple, and bashful, yet it will
entertain lofty subjects, if it can be permitted to turn and fashion
them to its own proper Circumstances, and Humor: which tho
_Theocritus_ hath never done, but kept close to _pastoral_ simplicity,
yet _Virgil_ hath happily attempted; of whom almost the same
_Character_ might be given, which _Quintilian_ bestow'd on
_Stesichorus_, who _with his Harp bore up the most weighty subjects
of_ Epick _Poetry_; for _Virgil_ sang great and lofty things to his
Oaten Reed, but yet suited to the Humor of a Shepherd, for every thing
that is not agreeable to that, cannot belong to _Pastoral_: of its own
nature it cannot treat of lofty and great matters.
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