al to the Gods.

This Grace _Virgil_ learn'd from _Theocritus_, allmost most all whose
Periods; especially in the third _Idyllium_, have no conjunction to
connect them, that the sense might be more close, and the Affection
vehement and strong: as in this

Let all things change, let Pears the Firs adorn
Now _Daphnis_ dyes.

And in the third _Eclogue_.

But when she saw, how great was the surprize! &c.

And any one may find a great many of the like in _Theocritus_ and
_Virgil_, if with a leisurely delight he nicely examines their
delicate Composures: And this I account the greatest grace in
_Pastorals_, which in my opinion those that write _Pastorals_ do not
sufficiently observe: 'Tis true Ours (the _French_) and the _Italian_
language is to babling to endure it; This is the Rock on which those
that write _Pastorals_ in their _Mother_ tongue are usually split, But
the _Italians_ are inevitably lost; who having store of _Wit_, a very
subtle invention and flowing fancy, cannot contain; everything that
comes into their mind must be poured out, nor are they able to endure
the least restraint: as is evident from _Marinus's_ _Idylliums_, and a
great many of that nation who have ventur'd on such composures; For
unless there are many {41} stops and breakings off in the series of a
_Pastoral_, it can neither be pleasing nor artificial: And in my
Opinion _Virgil_ excells _Theocritus_ in this, for _Virgil_ is
neither so continued, nor so long as _Theocritus_; who indulges too
much the garrulity of his _Greek_; nay even in those things which he
expresseth he is more close, and more cautiously conceals that part
which ought to be dissembled: And this I am sure is a most admirable
part of Eloquence; as _Tully_ in his Epistle to _Atticus_ says, _'Tis
rare to speak Eloquently, but more rare to be eloquently silent_: And
this unskillful _Criticks_ are not acquainted with, and therefore are
wont oftner to find fault with that which is not fitly exprest, than
commend that which is prudently conceal'd: I could heap up a great
many more things to this purpose, but I see no need of such a trouble,
since no man can rationally doubt of the goodness of my Observation.
Therefore, in short, let him that writes Pastorals think brevity, if
it doth not obscure his sense, to be the greatest grace which he can
attain.

Now why _Bucolicks_ should require such Brevity, and be so
essentially sparing in _Expression_, I see no other reason bu