THE PASSIONATE SHEPHERD TO HIS LOVE (EXCERPT)

THE PASSIONATE SHEPHERD TO HIS LOVE


A poem by Christopher Marlowe, a great poet whose melodious tone had captivated ages.

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 cup of flowers and a kirtle
Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle;

A gown made of finest wool
Which from our pretty lambs we pull;
Fair lied slippers for the cold,
With buckles of purest gold;...

If these delights thy mind may move,
Then live with me and be my love.

Christopher Marlowe
Source: Strand, M and Boland, E. The Making of a Poem.