This poem by Ben Jonson compares human life to a lily and an oak tree. While an oak tree lives for hundreds of years, growing larger over time, a lily only lasts for a day but is beautiful during that short time. The poem argues that although human life is short, it can still be perfect and meaningful, even if not as long-lived as an oak tree.
This poem by Ben Jonson compares human life to a lily and an oak tree. While an oak tree lives for hundreds of years, growing larger over time, a lily only lasts for a day but is beautiful during that short time. The poem argues that although human life is short, it can still be perfect and meaningful, even if not as long-lived as an oak tree.
This poem by Ben Jonson compares human life to a lily and an oak tree. While an oak tree lives for hundreds of years, growing larger over time, a lily only lasts for a day but is beautiful during that short time. The poem argues that although human life is short, it can still be perfect and meaningful, even if not as long-lived as an oak tree.
IT IS NOT GROWING LIKE A TREE 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. -Ben Jonson
A Treatise on the Origin, Progress, Prevention, and Cure of Dry Rot in Timber: With remarks on the means of preserving wood from destruction by sea worms, beetles, ants, etc