PARAGRAPH FOR PRECIS

Old age, it is said, disqualifies us from taking an active part in the great scenes of the business. But in what scenes? Let me ask if in those which require the strength and vivacity of youth. I really admit the charge, but are there no other — none which are peculiarly appropriate to the evening of life and which being executed by the powers of the mind are perfectly consistent with a less vigorous state of the body? Nothing can be voider of foundation than to assert that old age necessarily disqualifies a man for the great affairs of the world. As well might it be affirmed that the pilot is totally useless and unengaged in the business of the ship because, while the rest of the crew are more actively employed in their respective departments, he sits quietly at the helm and directs its motion? If in the great scenes of business an old man cannot perform a part which requires the force and energy of vigorous years, he cannot act nonetheless in a nobler and more important character. It is not by expression of corporal strength and activity that the momentous affairs of state are conducted; it is by cool deliberation, by prudent counsel and by the authoritative influence which ever attends on public esteem qualifications which are so far from being impaired that they are usually strengthened and improved by increase of years.

(237 words)

SOLVED PRECIS 

Title: Old Age will ever have its Importance

Old age may be lacking in the physical strength and high spirits of the youth but this does not disqualify old age for the great affairs of the old. Cool thinking and sane advice born out of the experience and an authoritative influence are the assets that belong to the old age and can always be a source of guidance in life and its affairs and momentous decisions may need the advice of experience — which still continues to be with age.

(77 words)