I might give several other Reasons for the shortness of Pastoral
Descriptions, as that 'tis the manner of Shepherds not to dwell on one
Matter so precisely, but to run from one thing to another; Also, that
the Reader's Mind is delighted when it has scope to employ it self; and
the like. But the clearness of the Question prevents me.


SECT. 3.

_What Pastoral Images will shine most in a Description_.

We have just shown which Images are the finest; and 'tis evident that by
an accumulation of the best Images is form'd the best Description. 'Tis
not here my business particularly to show which Circumstances, in any
Description, are best, which worst; 'tis enough, that in general We
affirm the most Beautiful to be finest in Pastoral, and the most Sublime
in Epick Poetry; which are most Beautiful, and which are most Sublime I
have elsewhere shown.

Yet there are several foreign Assistances or Adjuncts, which do greatly
add to a beautiful Circumstance; as for Instance; if along with
a beautiful Image, we by any means show at once the Happiness and
Innocence of the rural Inhabiters, it renders the Circumstance greatly
more delightful. This can't so well be explain'd as by an Instance.
_Ovid_ describes _PROSERPINA_, as she is gathering Flowers in a Meadow
among her Play-Fellows, hurried away by _PLUTO_, in order to her
Ravishment. Among the Misfortunes, which that Violence brought upon the
Innocent young Creature, this is one;

_And oh, out Lap the pretty florets fell_.