for Pastoral; and I think, it shows as great if not a greater Genius,
in the Writing it, than any one in _SHAKESPEAR_. But a Scene so truly
Simple and Innocent cannot well be represented. Besides, what is best
writ is most open to the Ridicule of little Genius's; And more, I doubt,
look upon this Scene in _OTHELLO_ as Comedy, than have a taste of that
sweet Simplicity, that is in it, if we consider the Sentiments only in
themselves.

Yet must we not carry the Reflection too far, of Pastoral-Writers having
no such thing as the Simple in any of their Thoughts, for there
are passages in Mr. _PHILIPS Pieces_ truly Simple. And 'tis worthy
Observation how beautiful a figure they make, tho' we don't consider
'em as being in a Pastoral. Such is the celebrated one, contain'd in the
last of these Lines.

_I smooth'd her Coats, and stole a silent Kiss:
Condemn me Shepherds if I did amiss_.

_Phllips Past_. 6.

But we have greatly more Simple Thoughts in other Pieces than in
Pastorals. The finest of all which, is this famous one in _OTHELLO_.

_Why I should fear I know not,
Since Guiltiness I know not: But yet I feel I fear_.

Yet need we not much wonder at the scarcity of these Simple Thoughts;
since there is nothing requires so great a Genius as finely to touch
the SIMPLE; and the greatest Genius's never attempt Pastoral; it being
a Form so mean, little and trifling, without the Ornaments of Poetry,