The Noble Nature

"The Noble Nature" 

Ben Jonson (1572-1637) 

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 far 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. 

IMAGE: Luis Ricardo Falero, The Lily Fairy (1888)