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    The Noble Nature

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    Ohadjembals
    The poem argues that small virtues polished well are better than none at all. It uses the metaphor of a tree growing large over 300 years only to eventually fall as a dry log to say that longevity does not necessarily equate to virtue. Instead, short-lived beauties like a lily that lasts only a day in May are fairer, as a perfect life can be contained within small measures.

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    The Noble Nature

    Uploaded by

    Ohadjembals
    198 views1 page
    The poem argues that small virtues polished well are better than none at all. It uses the metaphor of a tree growing large over 300 years only to eventually fall as a dry log to say that longevity does not necessarily equate to virtue. Instead, short-lived beauties like a lily that lasts only a day in May are fairer, as a perfect life can be contained within small measures.

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    The poem argues that small virtues polished well are better than none at all. It uses the metaphor of a tree growing large over 300 years only to eventually fall as a dry log to say that longevity does not necessarily equate to virtue. Instead, short-lived beauties like a lily that lasts only a day in May are fairer, as a perfect life can be contained within small measures.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    Download as pdf or txt
    198 views1 page

    The Noble Nature

    Uploaded by

    Ohadjembals
    The poem argues that small virtues polished well are better than none at all. It uses the metaphor of a tree growing large over 300 years only to eventually fall as a dry log to say that longevity does not necessarily equate to virtue. Instead, short-lived beauties like a lily that lasts only a day in May are fairer, as a perfect life can be contained within small measures.

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    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 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. Ben Jonson.

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