Fame is the inheritance not of the dead, but of the living. It is we who look back with lofty read more

Fame is the inheritance not of the dead, but of the living. It is we who look back with lofty pride to the great names of antiquity.

After I'm dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument
than why I have one.

After I'm dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument
than why I have one.

Fame is a fickle food Upon a shifting plate.

Fame is a fickle food Upon a shifting plate.

All your renown is like the summer flower that blooms and dies;
because the sunny glow which brings it read more

All your renown is like the summer flower that blooms and dies;
because the sunny glow which brings it forth, soon slays with
parching power.
[It., La vostra nominanza e color d'erba,
Che viene e va; e quei la discolora
Per cui ell' esce della terra acerba.]

And what after all is everlasting fame? Altogether vanity.

And what after all is everlasting fame? Altogether vanity.

Scarcely two hundred years back can Fame recollect articulately
at all; and there she but maunders and mumbles.

Scarcely two hundred years back can Fame recollect articulately
at all; and there she but maunders and mumbles.

The highest form of vanity is love of fame.

The highest form of vanity is love of fame.

Fame is proof that people are gullible.

Fame is proof that people are gullible.

Your fame shall (spite of proverbs) make it plain
To write in water's not to write in vain.

Your fame shall (spite of proverbs) make it plain
To write in water's not to write in vain.