# CCXXVI explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief reflection on the relationship between intellect and emotion, suggesting that reason tests the heart's truthfulness, yet a philosopher's lady is nearly as fine as a clown's wench.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The chapter questions the heart's credibility as a witness, implying self-deception or deception in emotional testimony.

## Key lines

> Brain was given to test the heart’s credibility as a witness, yet the philosopher’s lady is almost as fine as the clown’s wench.

Reason exists to question the truthfulness of emotion, but in the end, a thinker's beloved is nearly equal to a fool's lover.

_Highlights the tension between intellect and emotion, and the leveling effect of desire._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/ccxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters