"The Pastoral, as a feature in English poetry, has long ceased to exist. The Arcadian characteristics, however, of our Australian colonies—recently brought to light—afford every excuse for its revival. Pope says something very clever about pastorals in connection with Theocritus, for which see his works, and find out the passage, if possible. A great many other writers have alluded to the same subject."—(See British Museum Catalogue, Vol. 1 to 398.)
BUGGINS.
Hail, gentle shepherd! thou whose only care
Has been, for so much by the month or share,
To tend the playful flock through plain and thicket—
(Of course, I mean since you obtained your ticket)—
And ne'er with sorrow moaned along the vale:
I beg your pardon, shepherd, I said "hail!"
MUGGINS.
Shepherd, you did; you needn't speak so loud;