It is not growing like a tree
in bulk, doth make Man better be;
or standing long an oak three hundred year,
to fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere;
A lily of a day
is fairer in May,
although it fall and die that night-
It was the plant and flower of Light.
In small proportions we just beauties see:
and in short measures life may perfect be.
(Ben Jonson)
More Poetry from Ben Jonson:
Ben Jonson Poems based on Topics: Light, Life, Nature- A Pindaric Ode (Ben Jonson Poems)
- XIII: Epistle: To Katherine, Lady Aubigny (Ben Jonson Poems)
- Ode (Ben Jonson Poems)
- XI: Epode (Ben Jonson Poems)
- III: To Sir Robert Wroth (Ben Jonson Poems)
- To Penshurst (Ben Jonson Poems)