The poem talks about a man persuading a woman to give her beauty. The man asks the woman to make much of the time. The poem has four stanzas and rhymes in A,B, A, B; C,D,C,D;E,F,E,F;G,H,G,H. This poem is talking in a dialogue tone. The poet uses short sentences to give a sense of determination.
Some devices are used in the poem. Personification “Old times” is to say it’s just the right now, the other time or tomorrow will be late. “Flower” is a metaphor to describe woman that her beauty will die tomorrow, that’s why it’s the best time now. And this poem also uses many comparing word such as “higher”, “sooner”, “nearer”, “best”, “warmer” to indicate this is the most appropriate time.
In the end of the poem, the poet is making a conclusion. If it’s the best time, then don’t be coy. You are going to lose your chance if you don’t use your time right now. He is trying to say missing this opportunity will be a loss to both of them.


Robert Herrick. 1591–1674

To the Virgins, to make much of Time


GATHER ye rosebuds while ye may,

Old Time is still a-flying:

And this same flower that smiles to-day

To-morrow 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 's 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 ye may, go marry:

For having lost but once your prime,

You may for ever tarry.