StoryTitle("caps", "The Noble Nature") ?> Noble Nature," by Ben Jonson (1574-1637), needs no plea. A small virtue well polished is better than none.
PoemStart() ?> PoemLine("L0", "", "It is not growing like a tree", "") ?> PoemLine("L0", "", "In bulk doth make man better be;", "") ?> PoemLine("L0", "", "Or standing long an oak, three hundred year", "") ?> PoemLine("L0", "", "To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sear", "") ?> PoemLine("L6", "", "A lily of a day", "") ?> PoemLine("L6", "", "Is fairer far in May,", "") ?> PoemLine("L4", "", "Although it fall and die that night,—", "") ?> PoemLine("L4", "", "It was the plant and flower of light.", "") ?> PoemLine("L0", "", "In small proportions we just beauties see;", "") ?> PoemLine("L0", "", "And in short measures life may perfect be.", "") ?>