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 poem advises readers to make the most of their youth and not delay in pursuing love and marriage as time passes quickly and youthful beauty and vigor will not last forever. It encourages readers to "be not coy, but use your time, / And while ye may go marry" before losing their youthful prime and chance for love.