to be the natural Talk of Shepherds. For Swains are not suppos'd to
retard their Storys by many or long SIMILIES; their Talk comes from the
Heart, Unornamental; but Similies, in Pastoral, are for Ornament. But I
must show what kind of Thoughts I mean, which I also account SIMILIES,
but they have a peculiar Turn given to 'em. I remember but two in Mr.
_PHILIPS_ Pastorals.

_First then shall lightsome Birds forget to fly,
The briny Ocean turn to pastures dry,
And every rapid River cease to flow,
'Ere I unmindful of_ Menalcas _grow_.

The other is this.

_While Mallow Kids; and Endive Lambs pursue;
While Bees love Thyme; and Locusts sip the Dew;_
_While Birds delight in Woods their Notes to strain,
Thy Name and sweet Memorial shall remain_.

But now I have given Examples of those Similies which seem faulty; and
quoted at the beginning of the Section, some that are good; I will bring
an Instance of a SIMILIE, which is more delightful to the Fancy than all
these put together; and which show's that _Theocritus_ thought 'twas a
small thing to put down Pastoral Thoughts or Images, if he did not cull
the most pleasurable in Nature. _CREECH_ has translated it very well.
_DAPHNIS_ had conquer'd _MENALCAS_ in Singing.

_The Boy rejoyc'd, he leap'd with youthful Heat,
As sucking Colts leap when they swig the Teat;
The other griev'd, he hung his bashful Head,