Meaning: The quote "But at my back I always hear Time's winged chariot hurrying near" is from the poem "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell, a 17th-century English metaphysical poet. This line is part of a larger poem in which the speaker attempts to persuade his mistress to seize the day and engage in a physical relationship with him before time runs out. The imagery of Time's winged chariot conveys the idea that time is constantly advancing and that life is fleeting, emphasizing the urgency and transience of human existence.

In the context of the poem, the speaker employs this imagery to convey a sense of impending mortality and the swift passing of time. The chariot, a symbol of time's relentless progression, serves as a reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of making the most of the present moment. The phrase "at my back I always hear" suggests that the speaker is acutely aware of the relentless passage of time, and the word "hear" implies that this awareness is not just intellectual but also visceral and immediate.

Marvell's use of the image of Time's winged chariot is evocative and powerful, as it encapsulates the universal experience of being pursued by the inexorable march of time. The chariot, a symbol of both power and swiftness, reinforces the idea that time is not just a passive force but an active, unstoppable entity that is always closing in on us. This sense of urgency underscores the speaker's plea to his coy mistress to embrace the present and seize the fleeting opportunities that life presents.

The poem "To His Coy Mistress" as a whole is a meditation on the passage of time and the transience of human life. Marvell's speaker acknowledges the limitations imposed by mortality and the relentless passage of time, but also expresses a desire to defy these constraints and make the most of the present moment. The urgency of the speaker's entreaty is driven by the awareness that time is fleeting and that opportunities must be seized before they slip away forever.

This quote has resonated with readers across centuries due to its timeless theme of the fleeting nature of time and the imperative to live life to the fullest. It serves as a poignant reminder of the universal human experience of grappling with the relentless passage of time and the imperative to seize the present moment. Marvell's evocative language and vivid imagery have ensured that this quote continues to captivate and inspire readers, inviting them to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of embracing the here and now.

In conclusion, Andrew Marvell's quote "But at my back I always hear Time's winged chariot hurrying near" encapsulates the timeless theme of the swift passage of time and the urgency of embracing the present moment. Through the evocative imagery of Time's winged chariot, Marvell conveys the relentless and inexorable nature of time, compelling readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of life and the imperative to make the most of the present. This quote continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a poignant reminder of the universal human experience of grappling with the relentless passage of time.