The speaker begins by declaring that love is "an ever-fixed mark" that is "not to be altered." This is an incredibly bold claim, especially when you consider the fact that love is often seen as a fickle emotion that can change at any moment. But the speaker is adamant: love is not something to be taken lightly. It is a serious and enduring commitment that should not be taken for granted.
The speaker goes on to say that love is "not Time's fool." This means that love is not subject to the same rules as time. Time may cause our bodies to age and our minds to change, but love will remain the same. It is a constant force that can withstand any test.
Finally, the speaker declares that love is "more strong than death." This is perhaps the most powerful line in the poem, and it speaks to the incredible power of love to overcome even the most difficult obstacles. Death may be the ultimate end for all of us, but love will live on. It is a force that is stronger than anything else in the universe.
Sonnet 116 is a beautiful and moving tribute to the power of love. It is a poem that reminds us that love is not just a feeling, but a commitment. It is a force that can change our lives and make us better people.