SECT. 3.
What degree of Knowledge we may attribute to our Swains.
The difference between the Knowledge of our Shepherds, and that of politer Persons, must not proceed in the least from any difference in their Natural Endowments, but entirely from the manner of their Educations. The Poet therefore, has nothing to do in this Case, but to consider what is most probable for Nature to effect, unassisted by Art.
As for a Shepherd's knowing what the ancient Poets have deliver'd, concerning the different Ages, and other things, I shall not determine whether 'tis natural or not: because not only Theocritus, whose Shepherds are as well vers'd in History as other Men, and Virgil, whose Shepherds are often Philosophers, have gone in this way, but our Countryman Mr. Phillips also, whose excellency is his Correctness.
(Lang.) Thrice happy Shepherds now! for Dorset loves
The Country Muse, and our delightful Groves.
While Anna reigns. O ever may she reign!
And bring on Earth a Golden-Age again.
Pastor. 6.
I shall leave the Reader also to determine concerning the following
piece of Knowledge.
(Hob.) Full fain, O blest Eliza! would I praise
Thy Maiden Rule, and Albion's Golden Days.
Then gentle Sidney liv'd, the Shepherds Friend:
Eternal Blessings on his Shade descend!
The same is to be said of other the like Passages, but the most ordinary
Capacity may judge what Knowledge is, or is not, consistent with the
Banner of a Shepherd's Education.