_Of the Images. And which are proper for Pastoral, which not_.


Let us proceed to consider what Images will shine most in PASTORAL. And
here I shall not consider all kinds of Images, both good and vicious,
but only those which are in their own nature good; and among those show
which may, and which may not, be introduc'd into Pastoral.

Of Images, in their own Nature good, only the BEAUTIFUL, and the
[A]GLOOMY are, properly speaking, fit for Pastoral. The Uncommon, the
Terrible, and the Sublime, being improper.

[Footnote A: _The Division of the Images and Thoughts is made, and the
nature of the_ GLOOMY _consider'd, in the Critical Preface to the Second
Part of our Pastorals_.]

If any other kinds of Images are introduced, they must be artfully
qualify'd, or else be faulty; the Methods to be used in so qualifying
them, are too numerous to recount. But give me leave to put down one,
which relates to the Language.

Suppose you was to describe some LOVELADS and LASSES roving a little
by the Sea-shore in a guilded Boat; when, on a sudden, the Wind arises,
drives 'em into the middle of the Main at once, and dashes the _Gondola_
on a Rock. Might you not describe such a boistrous Circumstance in an
easy and Pastoral manner.

_Sore raven the fell Sea (Oh sorry Sight!)
And strait (most wofull Word) the Boat doth split_.