Meaning: The quote "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." is from the poem "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe, a renowned English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era. The poem was written in the late 16th century and is one of Marlowe's most famous works. It is a pastoral poem that portrays the romanticized and idyllic image of rural life, nature's beauty, and the pursuit of love.

In the poem, the shepherd is addressing his beloved and inviting her to come and live with him in the countryside, where they can experience the simple pleasures and delights that nature has to offer. The shepherd promises a life of blissful contentment, surrounded by the natural wonders of valleys, groves, hills, fields, woods, and mountains. The imagery evoked in the lines conveys a sense of serenity and an escape from the complexities of urban life.

The pastoral tradition, to which Marlowe's poem belongs, was a popular literary genre in the Renaissance period. It idealized rural life, portraying shepherds and shepherdesses in an idealized natural setting, often embodying the themes of love, beauty, and simplicity. The genre was influenced by classical literature, particularly the works of ancient Greek and Roman poets such as Theocritus, Virgil, and Ovid, whose pastoral poetry celebrated the harmony between humans and nature.

Marlowe's poem reflects the conventions of the pastoral tradition, as it presents an idealized vision of rustic life and romantic love. The shepherd's invitation to his beloved to share in the pleasures of nature is a recurring motif in pastoral literature, emphasizing the timeless appeal of the pastoral ideal as an escape from the complexities and challenges of contemporary society.

The poem's enduring popularity can be attributed to its evocative language, vivid imagery, and the universal themes of love and the beauty of nature. The shepherd's heartfelt plea to his love resonates with readers across different time periods, as it captures the timeless desire for a simple and harmonious existence, free from the constraints of urban life.

Furthermore, Marlowe's skillful use of language and imagery in "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" has inspired numerous adaptations, references, and allusions in literature, music, and popular culture. The poem's influence can be seen in the works of later poets and playwrights, including William Shakespeare, who also explored pastoral themes in his plays and sonnets.

In conclusion, Christopher Marlowe's "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" remains a beloved and influential work of pastoral poetry, cherished for its romantic vision of nature's beauty and the timeless pursuit of love. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a world of idyllic charm and unspoiled landscapes, where the shepherd's invitation to his love continues to resonate as a timeless expression of longing and desire.