Poem Responses

The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
The shepherd is madly in love with an unknown mystery woman. This is a very deep poem with a deeper inner meaning. This is the definition of love and what this feeling or expression is all about. The shepherd is willing to do anything or go anywhere for his love. No matter the price or what it costs to him he will always be there. "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." He showers this woman with love and gifts and all he wants in return is her love.

The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd
The Nymph lets it be known that her love cannot be bought. Material possessions may be able to buy others love but not hers. She states that if time were not a factor and if both the world and love were young that she would give them a chance. Any gift that the Shepherd gives her would be in vain since these things were not important to her. To her love is not about what a person give her physically but what he can provide mentally. She needs a love that will withstand the tests of time. To conclude the poem the Nymph reiterates that she would be his if not for time.