What is the main theme reflected in this excerpt from “ulysses” by alfred, lord tennyson? there gloom the dark broad seas. my mariners, souls that have toil'd, and wrought, and thought with me-- that ever with a frolic welcome took the thunder and the sunshine, and opposed free hearts, free foreheads--you and i are old; old age hath yet his honour and his toil. death closes all; but something ere the end, some work of noble note, may yet be done, not unbecoming men that strove with gods. the old have free hearts and free minds. the mariners have toiled hard to avoid the dark and broad seas. it is very important to have free time and sunshine in life. the old can regain honor by taking up challenges again.