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 vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.

Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.

Fame: an embalmer trembling with stage fright.

Fame: an embalmer trembling with stage fright.

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.

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!

O Fame!--if I e'er took delight in thy praises,
'Twas less for the sake of thy high-sounding phrases,
read more

O Fame!--if I e'er took delight in thy praises,
'Twas less for the sake of thy high-sounding phrases,
Than to see the bright eyes of the dear one discover
She thought that I was not unworthy to love her.

If fame is only to come after death, I am in no hurry for it.

If fame is only to come after death, I am in no hurry for it.

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.]

The Duke of Wellington brought to the post of first minister
immortal fame; a quality of success which would read more

The Duke of Wellington brought to the post of first minister
immortal fame; a quality of success which would almost seem to
include all others.