Cotal vestigio in terra di sè lascia,

Qual fumo in aere od in acqua la schiuma.

Inferno XXIV.

"Now needs thy best of man;" so spake my guide:

"For not on downy plumes, nor under shade

Of canopy reposing, fame is won;

Without which whosoe'er consumes his days,

Leaveth such vestige of himself on earth,

As smoke in air, or foam upon the wave."

Cary's Translation.