CHAP. II.
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.
But these are things which are better left to the Writer's own Genius, than to Rule and Criticism.
As to the gloomy Images, I shall only caution the Pastoral Writer, that they must be of a very different Nature from those in Epick Poetry or Tragedy: That is, the gloomy must not be so strong; but the Images must rather contain a pleasing Amusement. And that they'll do, if they are drawn from the Country: As Fairies; Will-o'-Wisps; the Evening; falling Stars; and the like, will all furnish Images exactly agreeable to Pastoral.
Having made this Observation on the Gloomy Images, let us now proceed to the Consideration of the Beautiful, which will detain us somewhat longer.