Time turns the old days to derision, Our loves into corpses or wives; And marriage and death and division Make barren our lives.

Algernon Charles Swinburne’s quote, "Time turns the old days to derision, Our loves into corpses or wives; And marriage and death and division Make barren our lives," reflects a pessimistic view of time, love, and marriage. Swinburne suggests that the passage of time transforms the past—specifically love—into something that is either ridiculed or lost. The idea of "loves into corpses" suggests that the passion and vibrancy of love are eventually extinguished, while "loves into wives" alludes to how romantic relationships often evolve into something more mundane, symbolized by the institution of marriage. In this view, love, once vibrant and full of life, becomes either lifeless or constrained by the societal expectations of marriage.

The phrase "marriage and death and division" deepens the sentiment of disillusionment, associating marriage with death and separation. Swinburne appears to critique the notion that marriage, rather than providing fulfillment, can lead to a sense of barrenness or emotional emptiness. This suggests that the institutionalization of love, through marriage, can stifle individuality and passion, leaving behind a lack of vitality or meaning in life.

The term "barren our lives" reinforces the idea of loss—of both love and personal growth. Rather than being a source of joy or growth, Swinburne paints marriage and the passing of time as forces that limit or diminish life’s potential. His words express a sense of existential despair, where love and marriage lead not to fulfillment but to a life that is emotionally unproductive or sterile.

This quote originates from Swinburne’s exploration of human nature, love, and societal institutions in his poetry. Known for his dark, romantic, and often controversial views, Swinburne’s works frequently examined themes of pleasure, death, and the constraints imposed by society. His perspective on marriage here reflects the disillusionment with social norms and the inherent contradictions he saw in life’s most fundamental institutions.