A Fourth Rule, and of great importance in this delicate sort of Writing, is, that there be choice diversity of Subjects; that the Eclogues, like a Beautiful Prospect, should Charm by its Variety. Virgil is admirable in this Point, and far surpasses Theocritus, as he does every where, when Judgment and Contrivance have the principal part. The Subject of the first Pastoral is hinted above.
The Second contains the Love of Coridon for Alexis, and the seasonable reproach he gives himself, that he left his Vines half prun'd, (which according to the Roman Rituals, deriv'd a Curse upon the Fruit that grew upon it) whilst he pursu'd an Object undeserving his Passion.
The Third, a sharp Contention of two Shepherds for the Prize of Poetry.
The Fourth contains the Discourse of a Shepherd Comforting himself in a declining Age, that a better was ensuing.
The Fifth a Lamentation for a Dead Friend, the first draught of which is probably more Ancient than any of the Pastorals now extant; his Brother being at first intended; but he afterwards makes his Court to Augustus, by turning it into an Apothesis of Julius Cæsar.
The Sixth is the Silenus.
The Seventh, another Poetical Dispute, first Compos'd at Mantua.
The Eighth is the Description of a despairing Lover, and a Magical Charm.
