Part 4 — CHAP. 1.

Of the Pastoral Language in general.

I must here premise, that I intend not here a full and compleat Discourse on the Pastoral Language; for that would take up a Volume. But I would recommend it to some other Hand; for I know nothing that would be more acceptable to the Letter'd World than an Enquiry into the Nature of the English Language.

But there is no Dialect or Part of our Language so little understood, as that which relates to Pastoral; nor none (not even the Sublime) so difficult to write. Of all who have attempted Pastoral in our Tongue, no one (but SPENCER) has gone so far as even the weakening and enervating their Dialect; yet after that is perform'd, a Pastoral-Writer has gone but half way; for after the Strength is taken away, a Tenderness and Simplicity of Expression must supply its Place, or else 'tis only bald and low, instead of Soft and Sweet.

Spencer's Language is what supports his Pastorals; for I can maintain, that he has not above one Sentiment in fifteen but is either false, or taken from the Antients, throughout his Pastorals. The greatest Defect in his Language is it's want of Softness. He has introduced a sufficient, or perhaps too great a Number, of Old-Words. But they are promiscuously used. He took not the Pains to form his Dialect before he wrote his Pastorals, by which means he has used more rough and harsh Old-Words, than Smooth and Agreeable Ones. They are used where our common Words were infinitely more Soft and Musical. As What gar's thee Greet? For, What makes thee Grieve? How Harsh and Grating is the Sound of SPENCER's two Words, But Instances were endless. He is the more blamable, because there are full enough Old-Words to render a Dialect Rustick and Uncommon of the most sweet and delightful Sound imaginable. As ween or weet, for think; yclepen, for call'd, and the like. These being so tender and soft, render the Language of Pastoral infinitely more tender also, than any common Words, now in use, can do.