I left very early last night, but I wish I hadn't left so early.
我昨晚离开得非常早,但我希望我没有离开那么早。[大学英语六级]
but I do not turn for protection to dreary cliches about respect of elders -- as if mere age were a reason for respect.
但我不会用应当尊重长者这一套陈词滥调来为我自己辨护,似乎年长就是受人尊敬的理由。