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.
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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.
It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.
It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.
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.
Herostratus lives that burnt the temple of Diana; he is almost
lost that built it.
Herostratus lives that burnt the temple of Diana; he is almost
lost that built it.
Fame is a fickle food Upon a shifting plate.
Fame is a fickle food Upon a shifting plate.
What is fame? The advantage of being known by people of whom you yourself know nothing, and for whom you read more
What is fame? The advantage of being known by people of whom you yourself know nothing, and for whom you care as little.
The highest form of vanity is love of fame.
The highest form of vanity is love of fame.
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 is not just. She never finely or discriminatingly praises, but coarsely hurrahs.
Fame is not just. She never finely or discriminatingly praises, but coarsely hurrahs.
