Question

What is "powerful rhyme"?

Answer 1

The 'powerful rhyme' here is the poem 'Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments', which Shakespeare penned to immortalize the noble qualities of his friend. According to him rhyme (the poem) is far more powerful in the sense it can not be destroyed or ravaged by wars, broils and time. Since gilded monuments, statues, and strong masonry structures such as forts and castles can not stand the onslaught and ravages of war and time, the poet thought of immortalizing his noble friend through poetry and art which lives forever in the memories of generations.