Bosoms Quote by A. E. Housman
“When I was one-and-twenty I heard a wise man say, 'Give crowns and pounds and guineas But not your heart away; Give pearls away and rubies But keep your fancy free.' But I was one-and-twenty No use to talk to me. When I was one-and-twenty I heard him say again, 'The heart out of the bosom Was never given in vain; 'Tis paid with sighs a plenty And sold for endless rue.' And I am two-and-twenty And oh, 'tis true, 'tis true.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “When I was one‑and‑twenty”, 1896
Youthful advice warns against giving away love and wealth care; heart’s value exceeds material gifts.
In simple terms: Guard your heart over riches.
Key Takeaway
Protect emotional well‑being.
Themes
love
youth
wisdom
Mood
nostalgic
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- financial decisions
- personal growth
Key Concepts
poetry
human experience
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “heart” mean to you?
- How balance love and material pursuits?
A Different Perspective
Materialism can obscure emotional health.
