{45} _Aristotle_ assigns two efficient Causes of _Poetry_, The natural desire of Imitation in Man whom he calls the most imitative Creature; and Pleasure consequent to that Imitation: Which indeed are the _Remote_ Causes, but the _Immediate_ are _Art_ and _Nature_; Now according to the differences of _Genius's_ several _Species_ of Poetry have been introduced. For as the _Philosopher_ hath observ'd, *diespathê kata ta oikeia êthê hê poiêsis* Thus those that were lofty imitated great and Illustrious; those that were low spirited and groveling mean Actions: And every one, according to the various inclination of his _Nature_, follow'd this or that sort of _Poetry_: This the _Philosopher_ expresly affirms, And _Dio Chrysostomus_ says of _Homer_ that he received from the Gods a Nature fit for all sorts of Verse: but this is an happiness which none partake but, as he in the same place intimates, Godlike minds. Not to mention other kinds of _Poetry_, what particular Genius is requir'd to _Pastoral_ I think, is evident from the foregoing Discourse, for as every part of it ought to be full of simple and inartificial neatness, so it requires a Wit naturally neat and pleasant, born to delight and ravish, which are the qualifications certainly of a great and most excellent Nature: For whatsoever in any kind is delicate and elegant, that is usually most excellent: And such a _Genius_ that hath a sprightfulness of Nature, and is well instructed {46} by the rules of Art, is fit to attempt _Pastorals_. Of the end of Pastorals tis not so easy to give an account: For as to the end of Poetry in General: The Enemies of Poets run out into a large common place, and loudly tell us that Poetry is frivolous and unprofitable. Excellent men! that love _profit_ perchance, but have no regard for _Honesty_ and _Goodness_; who do not know that all excellent _Arts_ sprang from _Poetry_ at first. Which what is honest, base, or just, or good, Better than _Crantor_, or _Chrysippus_ show'd. For tis _Poetry_ that like a chast unspotted Virgin, shews men the way, and the means to live happily, who afterward are deprav'd by the immodest precepts of vitiated and impudent _Philosophy_. For every body knows, that the _Epick_ sets before us the highest example of the Bravest man; the _Tragedian_ regulates the Affections of the Mind; the _Lyrick_ reforms Manners, or sings the Praises of Gods, and Heroes; so that there's no part of _Poetry_ but hath it's proper end, and profits.