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.

• 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。