perfect form of the oriental eclogue that has survived the ruins of
time; a happiness for which it is, probably, more indebted to its
sacred character than to its intrinsic merit. Not that it is by any
means destitute of poetical excellence: like all the eastern poetry, it
is bold, wild, and unconnected in its figures, allusions, and parts, and
has all that graceful and magnificent daring which characterizes its
metaphorical and comparative imagery.

In consequence of these peculiarities, so ill adapted to the frigid
genius of the north, Mr. Collins could make but little use of it as a
precedent for his Oriental Eclogues; and even in his third eclogue,
where the subject is of a similar nature, he has chosen rather to follow
the mode of the Doric and the Latian pastoral.

The scenery and subjects then of the foregoing eclogues alone are
oriental; the style and colouring are purely European; and, for this
reason, the author's preface, in which he intimates that he had the
originals from a merchant who traded to the east, is omitted, as being
now altogether superfluous.[70]

With regard to the merit of these eclogues, it may justly be asserted,
that in simplicity of description and expression, in delicacy and
softness of numbers, and in natural and unaffected tenderness, they are
not to be equaled by any thing of the pastoral kind in the English
language.

FOOTNOTES:

[70] In the present edition the preface is restored.

ECLOGUE I.

This eclogue, which is entitled Selim, or the Shepherd's Moral, as
there is nothing dramatic in the subject, may be thought the least
entertaining of the four: but it is by no means the least valuable.
The moral precepts which the intelligent shepherd delivers to his
fellow-swains, and the virgins their companions, are such as would
infallibly promote the happiness of the pastoral life.

In impersonating the private virtues, the poet has observed great
propriety, and has formed their genealogy with the most perfect
judgment, when he represents them as the daughters of truth and wisdom.

The characteristics of modesty and chastity are extremely happy and
_peinturesque_:

"Come thou, whose thoughts as limpid springs are clear,
To lead the train, sweet Modesty, appear;
With thee be Chastity, of all afraid,
Distrusting all, a wise, suspicious maid;
Cold is her breast, like flowers that drink the dew;
A silken veil conceals her from the view."

The two simile