But if this passage is too Simple, 'tis for Tragedy so, not for Pastoral; and because _DESDEMONA_ was a Senators Daughter, and Educated in so polite a place as _VENICE_; but in Pastoral, I think, we may Introduce a Character so Young, Simple and Innocent, that there is no Thought so Simple but will square with it; at least, we have no Instance of any such one as yet. The Simplicity of this Scene would be inimitable for Pastoral; and I think, it shows as great if not a greater Genius, in the Writing it, than any one in _SHAKESPEAR_. But a Scene so truly Simple and Innocent cannot well be represented. Besides, what is best writ is most open to the Ridicule of little Genius's; And more, I doubt, look upon this Scene in _OTHELLO_ as Comedy, than have a taste of that sweet Simplicity, that is in it, if we consider the Sentiments only in themselves. Yet must we not carry the Reflection too far, of Pastoral-Writers having no such thing as the Simple in any of their Thoughts, for there are passages in Mr. _PHILIPS Pieces_ truly Simple. And 'tis worthy Observation how beautiful a figure they make, tho' we don't consider 'em as being in a Pastoral. Such is the celebrated one, contain'd in the last of these Lines. _I smooth'd her Coats, and stole a silent Kiss: Condemn me Shepherds if I did amiss_. _Phllips Past_. 6. But we have greatly more Simple Thoughts in other Pieces than in Pastorals. The finest of all which, is this famous one in _OTHELLO_. _Why I should fear I know not, Since Guiltiness I know not: But yet I feel I fear_. Yet need we not much wonder at the scarcity of these Simple Thoughts; since there is nothing requires so great a Genius as finely to touch the SIMPLE; and the greatest Genius's never attempt Pastoral; it being a Form so mean, little and trifling, without the Ornaments of Poetry, FABLE, MANNERS, MORAL, &c. and of a confused Imperfect Nature. CHAP. VII. _Of COMPARISONS in Pastoral. And how much our modern Pastoral-Writers have fail'd therein_. SIMILIES in Pastoral must be managed with an exceeding deal of Care, or they will be faulty. As a Poet may range Nature for Comparisons; this gives a Pastoral-Writer a very easy Opportunity of introducing rural Thoughts. _VIRGIL_ therefore, and those Swains who have written Pastorals more by Art and Imitation than Genius, generally heap three or four SIMILIES together for the same thing; and which is of no Moment; nor wanted any Comparison. As I have hinted that _Theocritus_ had a Genius capable of writing a perfect Set of Pastorals, his Similies are infinitely the best of any Swain's. The chief Rule, I think, to be observ'd is (if Rules can be given for such Things as these) that SIMILIES be contain'd in three or four Words. As this of _PHILIPS_'s. _Whilon did I, all as this_ Pop'lar _fair, Up-raise my heedless Head devoid of Care_, &c. Or at most they ahould not exceed a Line. As this is a very Beautiful one In the same Author. And also in his 1st Pastoral.