Page:Alexander Pope - Pastorals - en it fr.djvu/32

xxiv ''A Pastoral is an imitation of the action of a shepherd. The form of this imitation is dramatic, or narrative, or mix'd of both; the fable simple; the manners nor too polite nor too rustic: the thoughts are plain, yet admit a little quickness and passion, but that short and flowing; the expression humble, yet as pure as the language will afford; neat, but not florid; easy, and yet lively. In short, the fable, manners, thoughts and expressions, are full of the greatest simplicity in nature. ''

The complete caracter of this Poem consists in simplicity, brevity, and delicacy ; the two first of which render an Eclogue natural; and the last delightful.

''If we would copy nature, it may be useful to take this consideration along with it ; that Pastoral is an image of what they call the Golden age. So that we are''