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
--Ambrose Bierce - The Devil's Dictionary