When I was one-and-twenty

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.
 
A.E. Housman | Classic Poems
 
Bredon Hill ] Clunton and Clunbury ] 'Is my team ploughing ] Parta Quies ] On Wenlock Edge the wood's in trouble; ] Loveliest of trees, the cherry now ] The Merry Guide ] 'Tis time, I think by Wenlock Town ] When I came last to Ludlow ] [ When I was one-and-twenty ]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


 

 

 
 
 
 

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