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.
本·琼生(Ben Jonson, 1573—1637),英国文艺复兴时期重要的剧作家和诗人。出身贫寒,做过泥水匠、军人和演员。主要剧作有《个性互异》(Every Man in His Humour)、《福尔蓬奈》(Volpone)、《炼金者》(The Alchemist)和《巴索洛缪市场》(The Bartholomew Fair)。这些讽刺喜剧揭露了贵族和资产阶级的的丑恶,体现了人文广义思想。他的诗语言朴素,精炼,富有音乐美。