本杰明格雷厄姆八十岁生日爬梯上对儿孙们做了个演讲,演讲最后以这一段诗作结尾。这首诗是写老年的,不过我看了后觉得很受激励,就抄录下来以作自勉: 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars , until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down; It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles , And see the great Achilles , whom we knew. Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are One equal temper of heroic hearts , Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.