Of Fame: A Dialogue between Two Natural Opinions

1

1 Opinion
To desire fame, it2 is a3 noble thought
Which Nature in the best of minds hath wrought.

2 Opinion
Alas, when men do die, all motion’s gone;
If motion none, all thought of fame is done.4

1 Opinion
What if the motion of the body die?                                      5
The motion of the mind may live on high,
And in the airy elements may lie—
Although5 we know it not—about may6 fly.
And thus by Nature may the mind aspire7
Its fame to hear, its pyramid desire,8                                    10
Or grieve and mourn when she9 doth see and know
Her acts and fame do to oblivion go.

  1. Of Fame: A Dialogue between Two Natural Opinions] Another Dialogue of Fame between two Natural Opinions. 1664; Another Dialogue of Fame, between Two Natural Opinions. 1668
  2. To desire fame, it] Fame to desire, 1664, 1668
  3. a] a most 1664, 1668
  4. motion none, all thought of fame is done.] no Motion, no thought of Fame hath one. 1653
  5. Although] There though 1664; There, though 1668
  6. may] to 1668
  7. aspire] delight 1653
  8. Its fame to hear, its pyramid desire,] To heare its Fame, and see its Pyramid; 1653
  9. she] it 1653