也许,他和豪威尔斯都不该活那么大的年纪,这反倒对他们不利。平静的晚年,虽说是分内应得,总比不上盛年笔力雄健的作品。

• Howells, perhaps, lived too long for their own good; tranquil old age, however well-earned seemed not to accord with the vigor of their best work.