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.

What is the end of Fame? 'tis but to fill
A certain portion of uncertain paper:
Some read more

What is the end of Fame? 'tis but to fill
A certain portion of uncertain paper:
Some liken it to climbing up a hill,
Whose summit, like all hills, is lost in vapour:
For this men write, speak, preach, and heroes kill,
And bards burn what they call their "midnight taper,"
To have, when the original is dust,
A name, a wretched picture, and worse bust.

Fame usually comes to those who are thinking about something else.

Fame usually comes to those who are thinking about something else.

And what after all is everlasting fame? Altogether vanity.

And what after all is everlasting fame? Altogether vanity.

The present condition of fame is merely fashion.

The present condition of fame is merely fashion.

Fame is a fickle food Upon a shifting plate.

Fame is a fickle food Upon a shifting plate.

Who fears not to do ill fears the name,
And free from conscience, is a slave to fame.

Who fears not to do ill fears the name,
And free from conscience, is a slave to fame.

I awoke one morning and found myself famous.

I awoke one morning and found myself famous.

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.