Su Lau-tsiuen, when he was twenty-seven years old

Commenced close study, and applied his mind to books;

This man, when old, grieved that he commenced so late;

You who are young must early think of these things.

Behold Liang Hau, at the ripe age of eighty-two,

In the imperial hall, amongst many scholars, gains the first rank;

This he accomplished, and all regarded him a prodigy;

You, my young readers, should now resolve to be diligent.

Yung, when only eight years old, could recite the Odes;

And Pí, at the age of seven, understood the game of chess;