The Shepheardes Calendar

In fields and woods, the shepherds dwell,

And tend their flocks with love so well.

With song and dance, they pass the day,

And live their lives in simple way.

This poem is a description of the pastoral life of shepherds, which was a popular theme in Renaissance literature. The first two lines establish the setting of the poem as fields and woods, indicating that the shepherds live close to nature and the land.

The next two lines describe the shepherds' relationship with their flocks, emphasizing their loving and caring nature. This imagery suggests that the shepherds are gentle and kind and that their relationship with their animals is an important part of their lives.

The poem's final two lines describe the shepherds' leisurely and simple lifestyle, suggesting that they pass their days with song and dance and live without the complexity and stress of urban life.

Overall, the poem presents a romanticized view of pastoral life, highlighting the beauty and simplicity of the shepherd's way of living. The emphasis on nature, love, and simplicity creates a peaceful and idyllic image of a world untouched by the complexities of modern life.