It is not growing like a tree

要成就人生，

In bulk¹ doth make man better be;

不必如巨树，木秀于林；

Or standing² long an oak, three hundred year,

不必如橡树，经年不倒，

To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere³:

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。