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."

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

Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he's read more

Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.

Who hath not own'd, with rapture-smitten frame,
The power of grace, the magic of a name.

Who hath not own'd, with rapture-smitten frame,
The power of grace, the magic of a name.

Call a spade a spade.

Call a spade a spade.

Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability read more

Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability to give them their separate names, identities, personalities and have them relate to other characters living with him.

There be of them that have left a name behind them.

There be of them that have left a name behind them.

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.

A good name, like good will, is attained by many actions and may be lost by one.

A good name, like good will, is attained by many actions and may be lost by one.