Here, the speaker is John the Baptist himself, describing his life in the desert with calm satisfaction. He finds warmth in the sun, cool drink from a shaded spring, and food among the rocks and woods—so simple that he and a lamb share one plate. The herds nearby offer material for clothing, and the earth itself becomes a soft bed. All worldly pomp and excess are willingly set aside; his only real company are angels. The mood is one of stripped-down contentment, not loneliness or hardship. The voice carries a gentle, almost intimate awe, as if the saint is telling us that true wealth is the freedom to live among divine things. The lamb by his side quietly evokes his calling to recognise Christ, making the whole scene feel both tender and sacred.
St. John Baptist Painted by her self in the Wilderness, with Angels appearing to him, and with a Lamb by him — Summary
THe Sun's my Fire, when it does shine, The hollow Spring's my Cave of Wine, The Rocks and Woods afford me Meat; This Lamb and I on one Dish eat: The neighbouring Herds my Garments send, My Pallet the kind Earth doth lend: Excess and Grandure I decline, M'Associates onely are Divine.