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.

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.]

Fame and riches are fleeting. Stupidity is eternal

Fame and riches are fleeting. Stupidity is eternal

Read but o'er the Stories
Of men most fam'd for courage or for counsaile
And you shall read more

Read but o'er the Stories
Of men most fam'd for courage or for counsaile
And you shall find that the desire of glory
Was the last frailty wise men put of;
Be they presidents.

In the very books in which philosophers bid us scorn fame, they inscribe their names.

In the very books in which philosophers bid us scorn fame, they inscribe their names.

To myself alone do I owe my fame.
[Fr., Je ne dois qu'a moi seul toute ma renommee.]

To myself alone do I owe my fame.
[Fr., Je ne dois qu'a moi seul toute ma renommee.]

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.]

Fame is a constant effort.

Fame is a constant effort.

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!