Ambrose Philips

“ Virgil and Spenser made use of it as a prelude to Epic Poetry: but, I fear, the innocency of the subject makes it so little inviting.
There is no kind of Poem, if happily executed, but gives delight; and herein may the Pastoral boast after a peculiar manner: for, as in Painting, so in Poetry, the Country affords not only the most delightful scenes and prospects, but likewise the most pleasing images of life. ”