Powerful as physical or as mental attraction may be, permanently to retain the attracted object requires a profounder force. Perhaps, though,
Beauty and grace and brilliancy may attract; it is only something far more deep-seated that retains. In other words,
Charm of body and mind may appeal to body and mind; only the heart appeals to the heart. Those who know not this, and they are
Many, permit the heart to leak through the senses; with the result that, when demands are made upon the heart, that cistern is found to have run dry. So,
To philanderers and to flirts, when a great and true love comes, they do not comprehend it, and they cannot appreciate it. Wherefore,
Would-be lover, keep thy heart intact until it be required of thee.
* * *
You need not imagine that, because you have once been permitted to see some way down into a human heart, that you will necessarily ever again be so permitted.
* * *
Hard words break no bones. But they often break hearts.