The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
Come live with me and be my love,
And we will all the pleasures prove
That valleys, groves, hills, and fields,
Woods, or steep 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.
Summary of the Poem
“The Passionate Shepherd to His Love” is a lyrical work in which a shepherd persuades his beloved to leave the ordinary world and embrace a pastoral life of simple pleasures with him. He paints a vivid picture of an idyllic existence filled with natural beauty, luxurious comforts crafted from the land, and continuous music. The poem is essentially an invitation to a life of love and leisure, focused on sensory indulgence and escape from societal norms.
Interpretation and Central Message
At its heart, the poem explores the theme of idealized romantic love and the allure of a simpler life. It celebrates sensual pleasure and the beauty of nature, presenting a compelling alternative to the complexities of civilization. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its romantic vision—a world where love and nature intertwine, offering complete contentment. It is a testament to the power of desire and the yearning for harmony with the natural world. The repetition of the core invitation “Come live with me and be my love” underscores the shepherd’s sincere desire and the central focus of the poem.
Literary Devices
Blazon and Imagery
Marlowe skillfully uses blazon, a traditional poetic technique, to praise the potential beauty and adornment of his beloved. Instead of describing her physical features directly, he focuses on the beautiful things he will create for her. Lines like “And I will make thee beds of roses / And a thousand fragrant posies” emphasize the shepherd’s generosity and his vision of a life filled with luxurious comfort. The poem is brimming with imagery, appealing to all the senses. We can visualize the “beds of roses,” hear the “melodious birds sing madrigals,” and even feel the “fair lined slippers for the cold.” This sensory richness draws the reader into the pastoral world and enhances the poem’s persuasive power.
Metaphor and Symbolism
The pastoral setting itself is largely metaphorical. It is not just a description of the countryside; it represents a state of innocence, freedom, and harmonious living. Natural elements—valleys, rivers, birds—symbolize purity, tranquility, and the simple pleasures of life. The shepherd’s offerings—wool, flowers, and crafted items—are not merely material possessions but symbols of his devotion and his ability to provide for his beloved.
Sound Devices
Marlowe uses alliteration to create musicality and emphasize certain phrases. Notice the repetition of the “f” sound in “fair lined slippers for the cold,” which draws attention to the comfort and luxury of the offering. The poem’s repetition of the refrain “Come live with me and be my love” serves as an anchor, reinforcing the shepherd’s central plea and creating a hypnotic rhythm.
Structural Analysis
The poem consists of six quatrains, each adhering to an AABB rhyme scheme. This simple rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s overall sense of harmony and musicality. The meter is predominantly iambic tetrameter, meaning each line typically contains four iambs—a pattern of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This rhythmic pattern creates a flowing, song-like quality. Marlowe occasionally introduces variations in the meter, adding emphasis to certain lines. Enjambment is skillfully used throughout the poem, allowing the lines to flow seamlessly into one another and creating a sense of momentum. The use of hypotaxis—complex sentence structures with subordinate clauses—expands on the shepherd’s promises, showcasing the abundance and detail of the life he envisions.
Come live with me and be my love, A
And we will all the pleasures prove A
That valleys, groves, hills, and fields, B
Woods, or steep mountain yields. B
How Each Part Contributes to the Message
- Opening Invitation: Immediately establishes the poem’s persuasive intent and introduces the central plea. It sets the tone for the rest of the poem, inviting the reader—and the beloved—to consider the shepherd’s offer.
- Landscape Description: Creates an idyllic setting that appeals to the senses and emphasizes the beauty of the natural world. This is not merely a description; it is a carefully constructed vision of paradise.
- Future Gifts: Demonstrates the shepherd’s generosity and his commitment to providing for his beloved. The detailed descriptions of the gifts highlight the luxury and comfort of the life he envisions.
- Repetition of “Pleasures” and “Move”: Underscores the sensual and emotional appeal of the shepherd’s offer. The repetition suggests that the pleasures will be both physical and emotional, and that they will profoundly affect the beloved.
- Final Call to Action: Reiterates the invitation and reinforces the poem’s central purpose—to persuade the beloved to embrace a life of love and pleasure with the shepherd.
Using Quotes from the Poem
The poem’s language is rich with evocative imagery. To share its beauty and persuasive power, consider these lines:
“Come live with me and be my love,
And we will all the pleasures prove.”
“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.”
These excerpts capture the essence of the poem’s romantic vision—a life filled with beauty, luxury, and the joy of shared love. They are perfect for expressing affection and inviting someone to embrace a life of pleasure and contentment.
“The Passionate Shepherd to His Love” remains a captivating exploration of love, desire, and the allure of a simpler life. Its enduring appeal lies in timeless themes and its masterful use of poetic language, making it a cherished piece of English literature.