The Devil's Dictionary: Renown

Updated May 14, 2020 | Infoplease Staff
by Ambrose Bierce
RELIQUARY
REPARATION

RENOWN

-n.

A degree of distinction between notoriety and fame - a little more supportable than the one and a little more intolerable than the other. Sometimes it is conferred by an unfriendly and inconsiderate hand.

I touched the harp in every key,
But found no heeding ear;
And then Ithuriel touched me
With a revealing spear.
Not all my genius, great as 'tis,
Could urge me out of night.
I felt the faint appulse of his,
And leapt into the light!

- W. J. Candleton

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