It is not growing like a tree
要成就人生,
In bulk doth make man better be;
不必如巨树,木秀于林;
Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,
不必如橡树,经年不倒,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
亦难逃枯朽之命;
A lily of a day
五月之百合,
Is fairer far in may,
绽放一日,便有万种风情;
Although it fall and die that night—
纵然是夜凋零,
It was the plant and flower of light.
却是光华的落英;
In small proportions we just beauties see;
于细微处领略美丽,
And in short measures life may perfect be.
于残缺处完满生命。