A Full Enquiry into the Nature of the Pastoral (1717) by Thomas Purney
page 44 of 105 (41%)
page 44 of 105 (41%)
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have an Aversion to his former Sweet-heart _Soflin_, on account of her
Frankness, and too great Forwardness. But yet I think it is not faulty, because you make his Affections vary, against his Inclination, and he is angry with himself for his dislike to _Soflin_; but no Reason can stop unruly Love. So Revenge, if admitted, must be very ingeniously manag'd, or 'twill be intolerable. There is a cunning Thought in _Tasso_, that may perhaps let the Reader something into the Manner in which I would have it order'd. A Female Warriour, opposed to her Lover in Aims, for his Inconstancy shoot's a Dart at him, yet wishes it may not strike him. But what comes nigher to the explaining the manner of introducing Revenge into Pastoral, is what we find in the sixth Idyll of _Theocritus_. _Polyphemus's_ Mistress had been unkind; and how do's he propose to take Revenge: Why, he will not take notice of her as she walk's before his Cave to be seen, and pelt's his flock. After which follow's the most simple, and I had almost said, finest Thought in any Pastoral-Writer. The whole Beauty of which no one will conceive, but who has a Soul as tender as _Theocritus_ had, and could touch the _Soft_ as well. Poliphemus threaten's several Punishments, after which, follows this. 'Tis as fine in _Creech's_ Version as the Original. _Besides, my Dog, he is at my Command, Shall bark at her, and gently bite her Hand_. What I have said of this, might be said of the other Passions; but I shall insist no longer on this Head. As for the Passions most proper for Pastoral, they are discuss'd elsewhere. |
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