From this ridiculous and driftless labour?

You, who already are a great-grandfather!

What! do you think to rival in his years

Methuselah? For shame! Do penance rather

For your past errors! Mourn your sins with tears!

Abandon hopes and plans that so ill suit your

Age and grey hairs! Give over looking wildly

Out through the vista of a boundless future!

All these are but for us, and such as we.”

“They are not even for you,” replied the Old Man mildly.