Glories, like glow-worms, afar off shine bright, But look'd too near have neither heat nor light. John Webster
Fame, like the river, is narrowest where it is bred, and broadest afar off. William Davenant
And do not think, my boy, that because I, impulsively broke forth in jubillations over Shakspeare, that, therefore, I am of the number of the snobs who burn their tuns of rancid fat at his shrine. No, I would stand afar off & alone, & burn some pure Palm oil, the product of some overtopping trunk. Herman Melville
We neglect those things which are under our very eyes, and heedless of things within our grasp, pursue those which are afar off. Pliny the Elder
They cease to be friends who dwell afar off. Latin Proverb
Water afar off quenches not fire. Romanian Proverb