Fame, we may understand, is no sure test of merit, but only a
probability of such: it is an read more

Fame, we may understand, is no sure test of merit, but only a
probability of such: it is an accident, not a property of a man.

Ah! who can tell how hard it is to climb
The steep where Fame's proud temple shines afar!

Ah! who can tell how hard it is to climb
The steep where Fame's proud temple shines afar!

Folly loves the martyrdom of Fame.

Folly loves the martyrdom of Fame.

It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.

It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.

The aspiring youth that fired the Ephesian dome
Outlives, in fame, the pious fool that rais'd it.

The aspiring youth that fired the Ephesian dome
Outlives, in fame, the pious fool that rais'd it.

Were not this desire of fame very strong, the difficulty of
obtaining it, and the danger of losing it read more

Were not this desire of fame very strong, the difficulty of
obtaining it, and the danger of losing it when obtained, would be
sufficient to deter a man from so vain a pursuit.

The splendors that belong unto the fame of earth are but a wind,
that in the same direction lasts read more

The splendors that belong unto the fame of earth are but a wind,
that in the same direction lasts not long.
[It., Non e il mondam romore alro che un fiato
Di vento, che vien quinci et or vien quindi,
E muta nome, perche muta lato.]

The fame you earn has a different taste from the fame that is forced upon you.

The fame you earn has a different taste from the fame that is forced upon you.

Nothing can cover his high fame but Heaven;
No pyramids set off his memories,
But the eternal read more

Nothing can cover his high fame but Heaven;
No pyramids set off his memories,
But the eternal substance of his greatness,--
To which I leave him.