Good Life, Long Life

by Ben Jonson English

    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 sear:         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.

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