The Passionate Shepherd to His Love

By Christopher Marlowe

( This short poem is considered to be one of the most beautiful lyrics in English literature. It derive from the pastoral tradition, in which the shepherd enjoys an ideal country life, cherishing a pastoral and pure affection for his love. Strong emotion is conveyed through the beauty of nature where lovers are not disturbed by worldly concern. )

Come live with me and be my love,

And we will all the pleasure prove,

That valleys, groves, hills, and fields,

                                       Woods, or steepy mountain yields.

 

And we will sit upon the rocks,                 

Seeing the shepherds feed their flocks,

By shallow rivers to whose falls

Melodious birds sing madrigals.

 

And I will make thee beds of roses

And a thousand fragrant posies,

A cap of flowers, and a kirtle

Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle;

 

A gown made of the finest wool

Which from our pretty lambs we pull;

Fair lined slippers for the cold,

With buckles of the purest gold;

 

A belt of straw and ivy buds,

With coral clasps and amber studs;

And if these pleasure may thee move,

Come live with me, and be my love.

 

The shepherds’ swains shall dance and sing

For thy delight each May morning;

If these delights thy mind may move,

The live with me and be my love.

Come live with me and be my love,

And we will all the pleasure prove,

That valleys, groves, hills, and fields,

                                       Woods, or steepy mountain yields.

 

And we will sit upon the rocks,                 

Seeing the shepherds feed their flocks,

By shallow rivers to whose falls

Melodious birds sing madrigals.

 

And I will make thee beds of roses

And a thousand fragrant posies,

A cap of flowers, and a kirtle

Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle;

 

A gown made of the finest wool

Which from our pretty lambs we pull;

Fair lined slippers for the cold,

With buckles of the purest gold;

 

A belt of straw and ivy buds,

With coral clasps and amber studs;

And if these pleasure may thee move,

Come live with me, and be my love.

 

The shepherds’ swains shall dance and sing

For thy delight each May morning;

If these delights thy mind may move,

The live with me and be my love.

 

 

 

 

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