The present condition of fame is merely fashion.

The present condition of fame is merely fashion.

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.]

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.

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.

Fame and riches are fleeting. Stupidity is eternal

Fame and riches are fleeting. Stupidity is eternal

Even the best things are not equal to their fame.

Even the best things are not equal to their fame.

Your fame shall (spite of proverbs) make it plain
To write in water's not to write in vain.

Your fame shall (spite of proverbs) make it plain
To write in water's not to write in vain.

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.

The best-concerted schemes men lay for fame,
Die fast away: only themselves die faster.
The far-fam'd sculptor, read more

The best-concerted schemes men lay for fame,
Die fast away: only themselves die faster.
The far-fam'd sculptor, and the laurell'd bard,
Those bold insurancers of deathless fame,
Supply their little feeble aids in vain.