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.]

Even the best things are not equal to their fame.

Even the best things are not equal to their fame.

The charm of fame is so great that we like every object to which it is attached, even death.

The charm of fame is so great that we like every object to which it is attached, even death.

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

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

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.

The lust of fame is the last that a wise man shakes off.

The lust of fame is the last that a wise man shakes off.

I awoke one morning and found myself famous.

I awoke one morning and found myself famous.

After I'm dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument
than why I have one.

After I'm dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument
than why I have one.

I'm never going to be famous. My name will never be writ large on the roster of Those Who Do read more

I'm never going to be famous. My name will never be writ large on the roster of Those Who Do Things. I don't do any thing. Not one single thing. I used to bite my nails, but I don't even do that any more.