Symbols
Fixed Mark or Star
The phrases "ever-fixed mark" and "star" symbolize the steadfastness and guidance that love provides in the face of adversity and uncertainty. The "ever-fixed mark" suggests an immovable point of reference, akin to a lighthouse standing firm amidst raging seas. This symbolizes the constancy and unwavering nature of true love. Just as a mariner relies on a fixed point to navigate safely through turbulent waters, love serves as a beacon of stability and reassurance in the tumultuous journey of life.
Similarly, the comparison of love to a "star" evokes the image of a guiding light illuminating the path for lost or wandering souls. The star acts as a celestial marker, offering direction and purpose to those adrift in the vast expanse of existence. In the context of love, it signifies the guiding influence that love exerts, providing comfort and direction to individuals navigating the uncertainties of life's journey.
Rosy Lips and Cheeks
The imagery of "rosy lips and cheeks" serves as a symbol of youth, beauty, and transience, contrasting with the enduring nature of true love. The phrase conjures images of youthful vitality and attractiveness, typically associated with the bloom of youth. These physical attributes are often considered symbols of fleeting beauty, subject to the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. They represent the ephemeral nature of physical appearance and the temporality of human existence.
Moreover, the mention of "rosy lips and cheeks" within the context of Time's influence further emphasizes the contrast between the transient nature of physical beauty and the enduring quality of true love. Despite the temporal nature of physical attributes, true love remains unaffected by the ravages of time.
Time's Bending Sickle
Time's bending sickle serves as a powerful symbol, representing the inevitable passage of time and the transient nature of human life. The imagery of a sickle, a curved farming tool used for harvesting crops, evokes notions of mortality and the cyclical nature of existence. The mention of "Time's fool" suggests that despite the allure of youth and beauty ("rosy lips and cheeks"), time eventually claims all things within its grasp. The sickle's "bending" motion emphasizes its relentless and impartial nature, bending to reap the fruits of life regardless of one's desires or aspirations.
Time's "compass" implies that time's influence encompasses all aspects of life, from the joys of love to the inevitability of death. Love may seem eternal, but it is ultimately subject to the passage of time, as indicated by the phrase "Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks." Furthermore, the contrast between love, depicted as steadfast and unwavering, and time, depicted as mutable and relentless, underscores the enduring power of love amidst the transient nature of existence. Love, unlike time, remains constant and resilient, enduring even "to the edge of doom."
