The author uses the symbol of time and the passing of time in many instances to represent the fact that time is wasting away and that they need to 'seize the day' so to speak. Several objects and phrases point to this: "A hundred years should go to praise Thine eyes, and on thy forehead gaze; Two hundred to adore each breast, But thirty thousand to the rest; An age at least to every part"(13-17). These lines symbolize the lack of time the lover has to show his mistress the love she is worthy of, then later, 'winged chariot hurrying near'(22) is a symbol of the passing of days.