What literary term is love gives naught and takes but itself?

The quote "Love gives naught but takes but itself" is from the poem "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman. It's not a specific literary term, but rather a metaphor that expresses the idea of selflessness in love.

Here's how it works:

* "Gives naught" means that love doesn't give anything material or tangible. It doesn't require payment or reward.

* "Takes but itself" means that love only takes the person giving it, meaning it consumes them entirely, and they are changed by it.

The quote, therefore, describes love as a consuming force that demands complete surrender and offers no material gain. This concept is further reinforced by the poem's overall theme of universal love and connection.

While not a technical term, it encapsulates a central idea about love in Whitman's work and poetry in general.