Heart of Hearts

Posted by Woodchuck on September 19, 2002

In Reply to: Heart of Hearts posted by Alex on September 19, 2002

: Any ideas on where this phrase comes from?

: Obviously heart means centre and so it is from the centre of my heart.

: But where did the phrase originate from?

: Any clues?

: thanks,

: Alex.

Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable:

Heart of Hearts (In one's). In one's inmost conviction. The heart is often referred to as a second self. Shakespeare speaks of the "neck of the heart" (Merchant of Venice, ii. 2); "the middle of the heart" (Cymbeline, i. 7). The heart of the heart is to the same effect.

Is anyone aware of earlier sources?