Explication of “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time”

In Robert Herrick’s piece To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time, he gives advice that is indicative of the title. The first two stanzas give descriptions on “rosebuds” and the setting of the “Sun” where these are symbols that indicate a lack of spare time in living. The second stanzas are more literal in that Herrick explicitly asks the reader to not waste time and marry soon.
The first lines finds one should “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” The buds are symbolic of a lifetime, where their beauty could presently be so evident but quickly dead-and-gone by the following day.  Herrick essentially is stating that humans have very little time on earth and mortality is ever-encroaching. The second symbol utilized is the sun. This “glorious lamp,” is in contesting with itself where “The sooner will his race be run” the “nearer he's to setting.” Again, Herrick is emphasizing mortality and how life can be looked upon as a race where they are suddenly over and a person’s metaphorical sun has set on them.
The third and fourth stanzas differ from the first in that they are less figurative and more advising. As with the first half of the poem Herrick finds that people must act soon in all they do for “age is best which is the first.” The following line is where Herrick’s advice on being keen with time sees reason. Herrick believes that action should be done “When youth and blood are warmer,” this singles out young people as his subject. Herrick’s ultimate thesis is clearly stated in the final stanza where he warns the reader to “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.” Herrick’s title of To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time makes total sense upon completion of the poem. Herrick wants (presumably female) virgins to make haste in finding partners to wed so as to not waste their “prime” of youthfulness and have to possibly live out life as a spinster. Herrick’s sole belief is that virginity should not be preserved but made use of in youth.