The shepherd in Marlowe's poem is very idealistic and hopeful towards the love he has for the girl. He makes many promises and says that he can give her everything because if she accepts his love, they will "all the pleasures prove" (2). The beautiful imagery of nature like "beds of roses" (9) and "Melodious birds sing madrigals" (8), together with examples of materialistic luxury such as "a gown made of the finest wool" (13), creates an ideal picture of their future life, so as to attract the girl to "come live with [the shepherd] and be [his] love" (1).
On the other hand, the nymph in Raleigh's poem has a more mature and realistic view, and she has a counter for each of the shepherd's ideas. First off, she doubts the "truth in every shepherd's tongue" and questions his ability to fulfill all his promises. While the shepherd suggests sitting on rocks to watch the river flow and listen to the birds' songs, the nymph argues that "rivers rage" (6) and "rocks grow cold" (6). Regarding the luxurious gowns and bed offered, she replies that everything will "soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten" (15). Raleigh repeats many of Marlowe's images and ideas, but distort them through the length of time. This is to point out that beauty does not last, therefore all the promises on the perfect idyllic life will all vanishes with the wash of time. At last she leaves a vague hope for the shepherd, saying that if his "youth lasts" (21) and nothing ages, then happiness will last forever and they can be in love.
A shepherd's love story. If we could just add a little twist to it...
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