To the Virgins, To Make much of Time Gather ye rose-buds…
“To the Virgins, To Make much of Time Gather ye rose-buds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today, Tomorrow will be dying. The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, The higher he’s a-getting, The sooner will his race be run, And nearer he is to setting. That age is best which is the first, When youth and blood are warmer; But being spent, the worse, and worst Times still succeed the former. Then be not coy, but use your time, And while you may, go marry; For having lost but once your prime, You may for ever tarry.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Youth is fleeting; seize opportunities now before time inevitably erodes beauty and chance.
In simple terms: Youth passes quickly; act now.
Key Takeaway
Live fully while you can.
Themes
time
youth
impermanence
carpe diem
Mood
hopeful
urgent
Type
poetic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- marriage decisions
- career planning
- creative projects
Key Concepts
vanitas
mortality
urgency
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance urgency with thoughtful planning?
- What does “seize the day” mean to you personally?
A Different Perspective
The poem’s urgency may cause rash decisions.