Male Female

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.

Though your words flow with sweet delight,

I must decline, for reasons bright.

Your passionate shepherd's plea so grand,

Of meadows green and golden sand,
But love's allure cannot deceive,
For what you offer, I can't believe.

Promises of eternal spring,

With birds that forever sweetly sing,
Yet time will pass, and seasons change,
And love alone cannot arrange.
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,
 Male Female
Come live with me, and be my love.

The roses, violets, and posies fair,

May wilt and wither, beyond repair.
For transient beauty soon will fade,
And leave behind a hollow shade.

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.
Your shepherd's call, though tempting, dear,
Can't conquer doubts that quietly sear.
For love, my heart requires much more,
Than fields and streams and nature's chore.

True love demands a steadfast soul,

One who can mend and make me whole.
With substance, depth, and tender care,
A love that's lasting, strong, and rare.

So, with a gentle voice, I decline,

Your shepherd's plea, however fine.
For my heart seeks a love profound,
That stands the test, forever bound.