Part 2 — CLXXII
Reading edition
THE NOBLE NATURE
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 beauty see; And in short measures life may perfect be.
B. Jonson