I read this lovely poem with my poetry group and wanted to share it with you
as well. Though it’s still cold outside, this poem gives me a very springtime-y
feeling — I can just see all those wandering sheep and all that green!
The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
Christopher Marlowe
Come live with me and be my love,
And we will all the pleasures prove,
That valleys, groves, hills, and fields,
Woods or sleepy mountains 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 these 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 pleasures may thee move,
Come live with me and be my love.
The shepherd swains shall dance and sing
For thy delight each May morning;
If these delights thy mind may move
Then live with me and be my love.
This is beautiful.
Thank you — I’m so glad you enjoyed “The Passionate Shepherd” — one of
the best love poems ever!
Write on,
Karin
There is a companion poem where his lady writes back telling him the plan is not practical. I never would have done that! LOL