On Fame by John Keats
Fame, like a wayward girl, will still be coy To those who woo her with too slavish knees, But makes surrender to some thoughtless boy, And dotes the more upon a heart at ease; She is a Gypsy,—will not speak to those Who have not learnt to be content without her; A Jilt, whose ear was never whispered close, Who thinks they scandal her who talk about her; A very Gypsy is she, Nilus-born, Sister-in-law to jealous Potiphar; Ye love-sick Bards! repay her scorn for scorn; Ye Artists lovelorn! madmen that ye are! Makeyour best bow to her and bid adieu, Then, if she likes it, she will follow you.
|