Edith Sitwell and Disraeli: too late

Events that would seem momentous and greatly to be desired have a way of coming too late, when it no longer matters.

--Edith Sitwell (1887-1964), quoted in Edith Sitwell: A Unicorn Among Lions (pub.1981, Knopf), by Victoria Glendinning

Power: it has come to me too late. There were days when, on waking, I felt that I could move dynasties and governments; but that has passed away.

--Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), on becoming Prime Minister as an old man, after spending his whole life in politics.
From The Life of Benjamin Disraeli (pub. 1920, Macmillan), by William F. Monypenny and George E. Buckle