René Rapin
De Carmine Pastorali
Prefixed to Thomas Creech's translation of the Idylliums of Theocritus (1684)
"De Carmine Pastorali" by René Rapin is a critical treatise on pastoral poetry, written in the 17th century. This scholarly work serves to explore the nature, rules, and significance of pastoral poetry, emphasizing the adherence to classical models, particularly those laid down by Theocritus and Virgil. Rapin’s analysis seeks to elevate the genre by arguing for its inherent dignity, aligning it with themes representative of innocence, simplicity, and the 'Golden Age.' The opening of "De Carmine Pastorali" introduces the reader to the topic of pastoral literature by establishing its historical and literary context. Rapin begins by addressing the common misconception regarding the pastoral's perceived inferiority and strives to defend its elegance and worth by citing the authority of ancient poets and critics. He summarizes his intentions, positing that pastoral poetry should exhibit not only simplicity but also a graceful nearness to nature. In laying the groundwork for his subsequent arguments, Rapin alludes to various exemplars and critical figures in the classical tradition, hinting at the depth of analysis and discourse that will follow in the treatise.