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HEARTS AND SLEEVES, by                    
First Line: You fear I am too frank
Last Line: From his two eyes.
Subject(s): Hearts; Love


YOU fear I am too frank,
And wear my heart upon a sleeve?
Which heart? Which sleeve?
Had I as many gowns to wear
As Queen Elizabeth,
I'd set a heart upon them all
And still have hearts to spare.

"But then I often show
A heart that grieves?"
I know, I know;
Out of the store within my breast
I take one little throe,
Like a button from a vest,
And pin it on my arm.
It hurts me less to wear it so,
And—trims my sleeves.

The heart is like a vain coquette
And drinks publicity like dew.
Scatter her portraits broadcast, then
Proclaim her eyes of blue,
Her yellow hair,
Her cheeks' red hue,
Sing many things of her
Or false or true,
Perhaps the jade will then consent
To stay at home with you.
But he, who in his jealousy
All portraiture denies,
Is fooled the more,
And while he tries
To hide mere sketch or script,
His very heart looks out at us
From his two eyes.





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