Than which in my opinion nothing can be more simply; nothing more rustically said; and this is the reason I suppose why _Macrobius_ says that this kind of Poetry is creeping and upon mean subjects; and why too _Virgils Tityrus_ lying under his shady Beech displeaseth some; Excellent Criticks indeed, whom I wish a little more sense, that they might not really be, what they would not seem to be, _Ridiculous_: _Theocritus_ excells _Virgil_ in this, of whom _Modicius_ says, _Theocritus deserves the greatest commendation for his happy imitation of the simplicity of his Shepherds_, Virgil _hath mixt Allegories, and some other things which contain too much learning, and deepness of Thought for Persons of so mean a Quality_: Yet here I must obviate their mistake who fancy that this sort of _Poetry_, because in it self low and simple, is the proper work of _mean_ Wits, and not the most _sublime_ and _excellent_ perfections: For as I think there be can nothing more elegant than easy naked simplicity, so likewise nothing can require more strength of Wit, and greater pains; and he must be of a great and clear judgment, who attempts _Pastoral_, and comes of with Honor. For there is no part of _Poetry_ that requires more spirit, for if any part is not close and well compacted the whole Fabrick will be ruin'd, and the {39} matter, in it self humble, must creep; unless it is held up by the strength and vigor of the _Expression_. Another qualification and excellence of _Pastoral_ is to imitate _Timanthes's_ Art, of whom _Pliny_ writes thus; _Timanthes was very Ingenious, in all his peices more was to be understood than the Colours express'd, and tho his Art was very extraordinary yet his Fancy exceeded it_: In this _Virgil_ is peculiarly happy, but others, especially raw unexperienced Writers, if they are to describe a Rainbow, or a River, pour out their whole stock, and are unable to contain: Now 'tis properly requisite to a Pastoral that there should be a great deal coucht in a few words, and every thing it says should be so short, and so close, as if its chiefest excellence was to be spareing in Expression: such is that of _Virgil_; These Fields and Corn shall a Barbarian share? See the Effects of all our Civil War. How short is that? how concise? and yet how full of sense in the same _Eclogue_. I wonder'd why all thy complaints were made, Absent was _Tityrus_: And the like you may every where meet with, as _Mopsus_ weds _Nisa_, what may'nt Lovers hope? and in the second _Eclogue_, {40} Whom dost thou fly ah frantick! oft the Woods Hold Gods, and _Paris_ equal to the Gods. This Grace _Virgil_ learn'd from _Theocritus_, allmost most all whose Periods; especially in the third _Idyllium_, have no conjunction to connect them, that the sense might be more close, and the Affection vehement and strong: as in this Let all things change, let Pears the Firs adorn Now _Daphnis_ dyes. And in the third _Eclogue_.