Explain the phrases a. his bending sickle’s compass b. Time’s fool

(a) bending sickle’s compass

(b) Time's fool

(a) bending sickle’s compass- It refers to the sharp, metal curved tool used to harvest ripe crops and is swung in a circular motion. It is very similar to the scythe used by the Grim Reaper, according to legends, to cut short the lifespan of humans and bring them closer to death. In the poem, the poet says that true Love cannot be harvested by Death's tool but endures the deadly swipes and the effects of passing Time.

(b) Time's fool- By this phrase, the poet wishes to convey the fact that Love is not limited by Time. Time brings change in the form of decay, disaster and death to human beings who are limited by earthly boundaries. Time, however, cannot exploit or affect Love because it is immortal and indestructable. It is not subject to changes like the human heart and physical appearance. It remains steady, true, and unaltered.