Nature

The Turn

by Ben Jonson 1572-1637

Nature

It is not growing like a tree
In bulk, doth make men 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.

MLA

Jonson, Ben. “The Turn.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/jonson/16/.

Chicago

Jonson, Ben. “The Turn.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/jonson/16/.

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