To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time is a short lyric poem by the English poet Robert Herrick. It is one of Herrick’s best-known poems and one of the most celebrated examples of the classical idea of carpe diem (Latin for seize the day) in English poetry. Herrick wrote in the tradition of the Cavalier poets. The Cavalier poets wrote during the reign of King Charles I of England, from 1625 to 1649. Herrick’s writings include many polished, graceful love lyrics urging the importance of living for the moment and enjoying life’s earthly pleasures, because death is always around the corner. “To the Virgins,” which is also known by its famous first line (“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may”) was published in 1648, in the volume titled Hesperides.
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.
Like much of Herrick’s verse, this poem seems light-hearted and simple on the surface, an impression that is heightened by the short lines and songlike rhythms and rhymes. In fact, Herrick also wrote songs, and many of his lyric poems were set to music. But there is a darker truth lurking in this and similar verses, which is the unchanging reality of death. The irreversible march of time, and the consequent awareness of human mortality, are constantly present in this and other Herrick poems.
Robert Herrick, who was an Anglican vicar (parish minister) for many years, also wrote a number of religious poems. These poems were collected under the title of Noble Numbers and published as part of Hesperides in 1648. However, Herrick is best remembered for his lyrics celebrating love, nature, and the ancient traditions of the English countryside. “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,” for many people, is the essence of Herrick’s poetic philosophy.
For more information on Herrick, see Herrick, Robert. See also English literature (Metaphysical and Cavalier poets).
