This is the kind of writing that makes ignorant people hate poetry. All of the frilly, sing-song nonsense makes it seems like there isn't anything worthwhile underneath the lacy diction.But if you have the stamina to put up with archaicisms, and you formulate a decent image of the 'story' the poem is actually describing, it really is a pretty piece. Christopher Marlowe isn't famous for much more poetry, but it is worth taking a look at his plays. A response formulated by Raleigh, which I actually like more.
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 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 poises,
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's 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.
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