SECT. 3.

_What degree of Knowledge we may attribute to our Swains_.

The difference between the Knowledge of our Shepherds, and that of
politer Persons, must not proceed in the least from any difference
in their Natural Endowments, but entirely from the manner of their
Educations. The Poet therefore, has nothing to do in this Case, but to
consider what is most probable for Nature to effect, unassisted by Art.

As for a Shepherd's knowing what the ancient Poets have deliver'd,
concerning the different Ages, and other things, I shall not determine
whether 'tis natural or not: because not only _Theocritus_, whose
Shepherds are as well vers'd in History as other Men, and _Virgil_,
whose Shepherds are often Philosophers, have gone in this way, but our
Countryman Mr. Phillips also, whose excellency is his Correctness.

(Lang.) _Thrice happy Shepherds now! for_ Dorset _loves
The Country Muse, and our delightful Groves.
While_ Anna _reigns. O ever may she reign!_
And bring on Earth a Golden-Age again.
_Pastor_. 6.
I shall leave the Reader also to determine concerning the following
piece of Knowledge.

(Hob.) _Full fain, O blest_ Eliza! _would I praise
Thy Maiden Rule, and Albion's Golden Days_.
Then gentle _Sidney_ liv'd, the Shepherds Friend:
_Eternal Blessings on his Shade descend!_