Who coined the phrase "Your reputation precedes you"?

[SwissTony]

I was banking on Shakespeare, but have been to several Shakespeare sites and have done a fair few Googles but can't find the author.

Thanks to all.

[AsahinaKimi]

1. Sometimes its with you all the time.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

2. Supposedly Lord Nelson said it to Lady Hamilton upon meeting her....she was a famous beauty

Their love affair was both passionate and well known....the scandal of their day. He was killed at the battle of Trafalgar.

[SwissTony]

3. Bang. Got it one.

As soon as you mentioned Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton, a giant bell went off in my head.

We covered Nelson and a few other Brits during my schooling in schooling in 50s Scotland. Of course, the affair was never mentioned.

Thank you, Sekhmets Daughter.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

4. You're welcome, I'm sure!

There is some debate as to whether it was Nelson or someone else. In any case, Emma Hamilton was the subject!

[Moondog]

5. Top marks, SD!

[Sekhmets Daughter]

6. Thanks!

I love history...and love stories!

[Moondog]

7. Well, that one is certainly both.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

8. Yes... but with no 'happily ever after.'

[Moondog]

9. True.

But the "happily ever after" seems largely to be the stuff of fairy tales.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

10. Exactly!

People change...circumstances change...propinquity rears it's head...etc.

I think 'ever after' fairy tales are a crime against human nature...

[Moondog]

11. Whoa

"Propinquinity" - hadn't seen that one in quite some time. Had to look it up to be sure I correctly remembered its definition. Those long hours at work, and other places, do lead to all sorts of mischief, don't they? To include the rearing of, uh, heads.

Hmmm. Crime against human nature. Well, yes, to the degree that they tend to increase expectations amongst the credulous young, leading to nearly inevitable disappointment later in life. More realistic expectations probably would result in less unhappiness over the long run.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

12. I knew I could count on you to,....

understand!

[SwissTony]

13. Cue for a Michael Nesmith song!!!!!!

love the word "propinquity"

[Tuesday Afternoon]

17. some monkey wrote a song that some pseudo hick band covered --

[Sekhmets Daughter]

18. Sweet!

Thanks so much it's perfect!

I too love the word propinquity... I love the sound of it and all that it conveys in one word!

[SwissTony]

19. Agreed!!! It conveys so much and it's a beautiful, unusual word.

I have even used it as a password in the past. Try guessing that!!!!

And Michael's song is just lovely.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

20. Yes, it is a lovely song!

What a great idea... propinquity as a password! Delightful to meet another person who appreciates it!

[rug]

14. Ron Jeremy's agent.

[SwissTony]

15. That's certainly true!! LOL n/t

[Ptah]

16. I think it was Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke,

talking to an outlaw he was about to shoot.