Give crowns and pounds and guineas But not your heart away. Give pearls away and rubies, but keep your fancy free

Give crowns and pounds and guineas But not your heart away. Give pearls away and rubies, but keep your fancy free

The lines "Give crowns and pounds and guineas, But not your heart away. Give pearls away and rubies, but keep your fancy free" from A.E. Housman's poem "To an Athlete Dying Young" encapsulate a powerful message about the importance of protecting one's emotions and desires. Housman, known for his melancholic and introspective poetry, often explores themes of loss, mortality, and the fleeting nature of life. In this particular stanza, he advises against giving away one's heart too easily, urging the reader to guard their emotions and not become too attached to material possessions.

The imagery of crowns, pounds, guineas, pearls, and rubies suggests wealth and luxury, symbolizing the external trappings of success and status. Housman warns against placing too much value on these material goods, as they are ultimately fleeting and can be easily lost or taken away. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of preserving one's inner self, one's heart and fancy, which are more precious and enduring than any external riches.

The phrase "keep your fancy free" is particularly poignant, suggesting the importance of maintaining one's imagination, creativity, and sense of wonder. Housman encourages the reader to hold onto their dreams and aspirations, to not be weighed down by the demands of society or the allure of material wealth. By keeping one's fancy free, one can maintain a sense of independence and individuality, resisting the pressures to conform or compromise one's values.

Overall, these lines from Housman's poem serve as a reminder to prioritize what truly matters in life – love, passion, and creativity – over superficial wealth and status. They urge the reader to guard their heart and preserve their innermost desires, for these are the things that truly define who we are and bring meaning to our existence.