The Noble Nature

"The Noble Nature," by Ben Jonson (1574-1637), needs no plea. A small virtue well polished is better than none.

It is not growing like a treeIn bulk doth make man better be;Or standing long an oak, three hundred yearTo fall a log at last, dry, bald, and searA lily of a dayIs 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.

Ben Jonson.