Ah! replied my gentle fair,
Beloved, what are names but air?
Choose thou, whatever suits the line:
read more

Ah! replied my gentle fair,
Beloved, what are names but air?
Choose thou, whatever suits the line:
Call me Sappho, call me Chloris,
Call me Lalage, or Doris,
Only, only, call me thine.

Above any Greek or Roman name.

Above any Greek or Roman name.

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business read more

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business cards printed up to announce it, "Count Basie. Beware, the Count is Here."

Some to the fascination of a name,
Surrender judgment hoodwinked.

Some to the fascination of a name,
Surrender judgment hoodwinked.

I know there's a Derby out there with my name on it.

I know there's a Derby out there with my name on it.

The blackest ink of fate are sure my lot,
And when fate writ my name it made a blot.

The blackest ink of fate are sure my lot,
And when fate writ my name it made a blot.

He lives who dies to win a lasting name.

He lives who dies to win a lasting name.

Old age is . . . a lot of crossed off names in an address book.

Old age is . . . a lot of crossed off names in an address book.

I can call nothing by name if that is not his name. I call a cat
a cat, and read more

I can call nothing by name if that is not his name. I call a cat
a cat, and Rollet a rogue.
[Fr., Je ne puis rien nommer si ce n'est par son nom;
J'appelle un chat un chat, et Rollet un fripon.]