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.]

Were not this desire of fame very strong, the difficulty of
obtaining it, and the danger of losing it read more

Were not this desire of fame very strong, the difficulty of
obtaining it, and the danger of losing it when obtained, would be
sufficient to deter a man from so vain a pursuit.

Fame is proof that people are gullible.

Fame is proof that people are gullible.

And what after all is everlasting fame? Altogether vanity.

And what after all is everlasting fame? Altogether vanity.

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.

When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you
will command the attention of read more

When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you
will command the attention of the world.

Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime. And, departing, leave behind us footprints on read more

Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime. And, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.

What shall I do to be forever known,
And make the age to come my own?

What shall I do to be forever known,
And make the age to come my own?

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.