The excerpt reflects on the passage of time and its effects on a group of once vibrant young men who were full of ambition and confidence. After twenty-five years, they have aged significantly, evidenced by their physical changes, such as graying hair and weight gain. Despite these changes, they retain their arrogance, thinking highly of themselves in a manner reminiscent of rulers.

While the men may have lost their youthful vigor and vitality, their arrogance persists. The author's use of vivid imagery emphasizes their decline in physical condition, contrasting sharply with their unchanged self-perception. This internal stagnation highlights the disparity between how they view themselves and the reality of their current state.