Question

why does the poet refer to time as being "sl uttish"

Answer 1

$\underline{Answer}$

The poet refers time slu**h because it ruin the great works of masonry, it roots out the gilded monument and statues.

Answer 2

Time is all powerful. It is known for it's unclean habits and behavior and immoral ways. It leaves the monuments and memorials unclean and neglected with the passage of time and tarnishes them to insignificance.