Like a morning dream, life becomes more and more bright the longer we live, and the reason of everything appears more clear. What has puzzled us before seems less mysterious, and the crooked paths look straighter. A timid person is frightened before a danger, a coward during the time, and a courageous person afterwards. Only actions give life strength; only moderation gives it charm. In later life, as in earlier, only a few persons influence the formation of our character; the multitude pass us by like a distant army. One friend, one teacher, one beloved, one club, one dining table, one work table are the means by which one's nation and the spirit of one's nation affect the individual. Never part without loving words to think of during your absence. It may be that you will not meet again in this life. | 
