Under the greenwood tree who loves to lie with me... Here shall he see no enemy but winter and rough weather

Under the greenwood tree who loves to lie with me... Here shall he see no enemy but winter and rough weather

"Under the greenwood tree who loves to lie with me... Here shall he see no enemy but winter and rough weather" is a famous line from William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It". This line is spoken by the character Amiens in Act II, Scene V of the play.

The context of this line is a pastoral setting in the Forest of Arden, where the characters have sought refuge from the court and its politics. The greenwood tree symbolizes nature, peace, and freedom from the constraints of society. It is a place where one can escape the troubles of the world and find solace in the beauty of the natural world.

The sentiment expressed in this line is one of simplicity and contentment. The speaker is inviting someone to join them in the peaceful sanctuary of the forest, where they can relax and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings without fear of any enemies or threats. The only adversaries they will face are the changing seasons and the harsh weather, which are natural and inevitable parts of life.

This line reflects Shakespeare's recurring theme of the contrast between the artificiality of the court and the authenticity of nature. In the Forest of Arden, the characters are free to be themselves and to form genuine connections with each other, away from the constraints and expectations of society. The greenwood tree becomes a symbol of this freedom and the possibility of finding true happiness and fulfillment in a simpler way of life.

Overall, this line captures the essence of the pastoral idyll that Shakespeare often explores in his plays. It celebrates the beauty and tranquility of nature, and the power of the natural world to provide solace and comfort in times of trouble. It is a reminder that sometimes the best way to find peace and happiness is to escape the chaos of the world and seek refuge in the beauty of the natural world.