John Keats (1795–1821)

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 love-lorn! madmen that ye are!

Make your best bow to her and bid adieu;

Then if she likes it, she will follow you.