Dryden, John. Poetical miscellanies: the sixth part. Containing a collection of original poems, with several new translations. By the most eminent hands. London: printed for Jacob Tonson, within Grays-Inn Gate, next Grays-Inn Lane, 1709. [12],172,177-224,221-298,301-632,[2],723-751,[1]p.,plate; 8⁰. (ESTC T142876)

  • PASTORALS, by Mr. PHILIPS.

    Nostra nec erubuit Silvas habitare Thalia.

    Virg. Ecl. 6.

    Printed in the Year 1708.

  • PREFACE

    It is strange to think, in an Age so addicted to the Muses, how Pastoral Poetry comes to be never so much as thought upon; considering especially that it has always been accounted the most considerable of the smaller Poems. Virgil and Spencer made use of it as a Prelude to Heroick Poetry. I fear the innocency of the Subject makes it so little inviting at present.

    There is no Sort of Poetry, if well wrought, but gives Delight: And the Pastoral perhaps may boast of this in a peculiar manner. For, as in Painting, so I believe, in Poetry, the Country affords the most entertaining Scenes, and most delightful Prospects.

    Gassendus, I remember, tells us, That Peireskius was a great Lover of Musick, especially that of Birds; because their artless Strains seem to have less of Passion and Violence, but more of a natural Easiness, and therefore do the rather befriend Contemplation. It is after the same manner that Pastoral gives a sweet and gentle Composure to the[Page] Mind; whereas the Epick and Tragick Poem put the Spirits in too great a Ferment by the Vehemence of their Motions.

    To see a stately, well-built Palace strikes us, indeed, with Admiration, and swells the Soul, as it were, with Notions of Grandeur. But when I view a little Country Dwelling, advantageously situated amidst a beautiful Variety of Fields, Woods, and Rivers; I feel and unspeakable kind of Satisfaction, and cannot forbear wishing, that my good Fortune would place me in so sweet a Retirement.

    Theocritus, Virgil, and Spencer are the only Writers, that seem to have hit upon the true Nature of Pastoral Poems. So that it will be Honour sufficient for me, if I have not altogether fail'd in my Attempt.

  • [PASTORAL 01] THE FIRST PASTORAL.
  • [PASTORAL 02] THE SECOND PASTORAL.
  • [PASTORAL 03] THE THIRD PASTORAL.
  • [PASTORAL 04] THE FOURTH PASTORAL.
  • [PASTORAL 05] THE FIFTH PASTORAL.
  • [PASTORAL 06] THE SIXTH PASTORAL.