This 16th Century poem centers around a shepherd painting an idyllic picture of what country life will be like to the woman he loves. The very first line begins 'Come live with me, and be my love.' What follows is a series of descriptions and promises of what this wonderful life as a shepherd's wife will be like.
The first and second stanzas promise the target of the poem a life full of the pleasures that nature can bring, from the fields to the mountains. This includes a life of leisure, watching the shepherds tend their flocks and listening to birds sing from hilltops.
The next three stanzas are full of material offers. The poet describes a bed of roses anointed with fragrant posies and promises to outfit his love with fine clothes drawn from nature. Her gown will be 'of the finest wool' and adorned with leaves. Her shoes will have golden buckles, and even her belt will be intricately decorated.
The final two stanzas paint a picture of a life of luxury. They will eat the finest food from silver plates set on ivory tables. Each morning young shepherds will sing for their delight. Finally, the speaker ends by repeating his initial call to her, saying 'If these delights thy mind may move / Then live with me, and be my love.'