Quote#Nature
It is not growing like a tree
Quote byBen Jonson · 1572–1637
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Underwoods, LXX, To the Immortal Memory of Sir Lucius Cary and Sir Henry Morison, lines 65-74.
English (original)
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, 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
More from Ben Jonson
That old bald cheater, Time.
Slow, slow, fresh fount, keep time with my salt tears: Yet, slower, yet; O faintly, gentle springs: List to the heavy part the music bears, Woe weeps out her division, when she sings. Droop herbs, and flowers, Fall grief in showers,
Queen and huntress, chaste and fair, Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light, Goddess, excellently bright.
True happiness Consists not in the multitude of friends, But in the worth and choice.
There shall be no love lost.
Of all wild beasts preserve me from a tyrant; and of all tame, a flatterer.