The rose and the amaranth

Amaranth, which was growing beside a Rose, said none day, 'How beautiful you are, Rose! You are the delight of the gods and of men. I rejoice with you for your shapeliness and your perfume!'

'Oh, Amaranth,' the Rose replied, 'I live only for a few days and even if no-one picks me, I still wither and die. You, on the other hand, are always in flower and you live forever!'

Even today, the Amaranth is not sure if it is better or worse off than the Rose. Is it better to live for a long time to be beautiful and glorious and live but briefly?