A Full Enquiry into the Nature of the Pastoral (1717) by Thomas Purney
page 83 of 105 (79%)
page 83 of 105 (79%)
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but half way; for after the Strength is taken away, a Tenderness and
Simplicity of Expression must supply its Place, or else 'tis only bald and low, instead of Soft and Sweet. _Spencer_'s Language is what supports his Pastorals; for I can maintain, that he has not above one Sentiment in fifteen but is either false, or taken from the Antients, throughout his Pastorals. The greatest Defect in his Language is it's want of Softness. He has introduced a sufficient, or perhaps too great a Number, of Old-Words. But they are promiscuously used. He took not the Pains to form his Dialect before he wrote his Pastorals, by which means he has used more rough and harsh Old-Words, than Smooth and Agreeable Ones. They are used where our common Words were infinitely more Soft and Musical. As _What gar's thee Greet?_ For, _What makes thee Grieve?_ How Harsh and Grating is the Sound of _SPENCER_'s two Words, But Instances were endless. He is the more blamable, because there are full enough Old-Words to render a Dialect Rustick and Uncommon of the most sweet and delightful Sound imaginable. As _ween_ or _weet_, for _think_; _yclepen_, for _call'd_, and the like. These being so tender and soft, render the Language of Pastoral infinitely more tender also, than any common Words, now in use, can do. CHAP. II. _How to attain to the_ Soft _in Writing_. |
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