The Passionate Shepherd to His Love by Christopher Marlowe

   

I wanted to share this beautiful piece of pastoral poetry by Marlowe. Keeping it here on my blog will help me remember it a little longer and you might enjoy it, too.

Literary Context 

Renaissance era, 16th century England

Pastoral imagery: nature, simplicity

Love’s invitation: idealized romance

Marlowe’s style: sensual, lyrical

Timeless appeal: universally romantic

The poem is filled with natural beauty and comfort, where the simplicity of the countryside romance, promising a life that feels both peaceful and timeless. 

Come live with me and be my love,

And we will all the pleasures 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 pleasures 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,

Then live with me and be my love.

I think this poem doesn’t really need any explanation—it’s beautifully simple, and that’s what I love about it. Sometimes, it’s nice just to read and enjoy without analyzing every line. I hope you feel the same way!