move, to live with thee and thylove. After suggesting that the shepherd is an idealistic romantic, the nymph takes all ofthe items and treasures which the shepherd promises to bestow on her and shows, notonly how trifle they are, but also their impracticality. Thy gown, thy shoes, thy bed ofroses, thy cap, thy kirtle, and thy posies, soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten; in follyripe, in reason rotten. Practicality, rather than idealism, is favored by the nymph; this isseen in the last stanza of the poem, but is also the theme resonated throughout. But couldyouth last, and love still breed, had joys no date, nor age no need, then these delights mymind might move, to live with thee and be thy love. All through the poem the speakerlets it be known that perfect and idealistic love is not real or logical. Coyly she states thatis it were she would then gladly marry the shepherd, showing she bases her love onsomething other than personal wealth. Even though Marlowes and Raleighs poems are complete foils, they representthe views of most Americans. For there are numerous people who believe love is thecure-all for our countries problems and love is the root of all personal happiness. Whileother people feel more than love is needed to lead a complete and happy life. The truthis-- love is a complex combination of idealism coupled with reality. For love is adecision, one which is made between two people who want to share both the good and thebad with resound through life and make the best out of challenging situations. Love canbe wonderful, but painful as well, it is whatever you make it. ...
