To “His Coy Mistress” is an interesting poem of Andrew Marvel. The poem is in fact the desire for his love; who was shy in expressing her love. Shyness was part of the middle age women.
In some cases shyness was used as a tool to make men more impatient. The poet does not complain against shyness; instead he mentions the shortage of time from the beginning;“Had we but world enough, and time,This coyness, lady, were no crime” (Line, 1-2)He mentions; had they enough time, they could have walked and talked among the river; sit in garden or even could have seen the far off India (a reference to the early exploration of India in 16th /17th century). He argues that her refusal could have been fine; he could have waited till the conversation of Jews (a reference to Bible, where it is mentioned that Jesus will convert all Jews in second coming).He explains; as they meet frequently; his love will grow and grow like vegetables would becoming vaster than empire ( a reference to growth )“My vegetable love should growVaster than empire”(Line, 11-12)He mentions that thousands years are not enough for the praise of her beauty; because his beloved beauty is beyond all praise. After all the praise towards the end; the poet tells his reason for being in hurry.
“at my back I always hearTime's winged chariot hurrying near”(Line 21-22)He is afraid that if they do not make some thing good of the time they have; sooner or later both of them will reach the grave. Thus we can say that the poem is about wanting the beloved desperately. The poet main argument is not to waste time in shyness and vain talk, instead they should make best use of the time together.
