Poetry Out Loud

The Passionate Shepherd to His Love

POEM VIEWS: 4738
Print this Page


Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), the son of a shoemaker, was educated at Cambridge before he joined the Lord Admiral’s Theatre Company in

. . . MORE »

By 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 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.



HOME

BLOG

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

POEMS
Browse Poems
Browse Poets
Pre-20th Century
25-Lines and Fewer
Keyword Search
Today's Poet
Audio Guide
Videos

TEACHERS GUIDE
Table of Contents
Writing Activities &
  Lesson Plans

Contest Promotion

FOR TEACHERS
State Contacts
Judges Guide
Teacher FAQ
NCTE Standards
Students with
  Disabilities

Competition Resources
Teacher Quotes
Teacher Feedback

FOR STUDENTS
Find a Poem
Evaluation Criteria
Student FAQ
Submit Comments

NEWS & EVENTS
National Finals
Press Releases
Events Calendar
Media Contacts
News Clips
Photo Gallery
Download Graphics

FOR STATE PARTNERS
Contacts
Program Resources
State Partner FAQ
Finals Planning
Download Graphics
SAA Forum

STATE CONTACTS