Emil.) 'Tis neither here nor there.
Des.) I have heard it said so: O these Men, these Men!
Dost thou in Conscience think, tell me Emilia,
That there be Women do abuse their Husbands,
In such gross kind? &c.
Othello. Act. 4. Sc. last.
But if this passage is too Simple, 'tis for Tragedy so, not for Pastoral; and because DESDEMONA was a Senators Daughter, and Educated in so polite a place as VENICE; but in Pastoral, I think, we may Introduce a Character so Young, Simple and Innocent, that there is no Thought so Simple but will square with it; at least, we have no Instance of any such one as yet. The Simplicity of this Scene would be inimitable 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, FABLE, MANNERS, MORAL, &c. and of a confused Imperfect Nature.