When I was one-and-twenty I heard a wise man say,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.

Summary

This quote reflects the speaker's personal realization about the cost of giving away one's heart. At the age of twenty-one, they are told by a wise man that giving one's heart to someone is never in vain but comes with a price. This price is paid with numerous sighs and eventually leads to endless regret or sorrow. Now, at the age of twenty-two, the speaker acknowledges the truth and authenticity of this statement as they have experienced the consequences themselves. Ultimately, the quote conveys the bittersweet nature of love and the lessons learned through personal experiences.