Ah, how memory recalls the years passed in this Galarēs[a:]. Years so full of mingled joys and sorrows. Certainly, if my mortal experiences may seem of value to you, I shall be greatly pleased. In my early youth I came here as a student, my mind filled with eager, glowing anticipations, and here I remained until I was fitted to graduate with honor to myself and credit to those whose patient labors and excellent ability had won my loving reverence and lasting regard. Following my graduation I was offered the distinction of a professorship in the department of ancient and modern languages; I accepted the honor and entered upon a career which terminated only when mortal existence gave way to that which was a step higher on the ever ascending rounds of evolution. Four years elapsed and I had won some renown as an instructor and what, to me, was my heart's dearest desire--the love of the woman whom I adored and who was, through the years of our wedded life, the heart of my heart. Children as comely and as sweet as rodel buds came to us, but ever as their mother and I with fond solicitude watched these buds maturing and bursting into bloom, we looked into each other's eyes and saw sombre shadows lurking there. Intelligent, generous hearted, our children grew to maturity. Our sons were all that our fond hearts could desire. Our daughters were as lovable and as lovely as their mother. I could desire for them no greater excellence. I then was in the full vigor of manhood, my wife in the full maturity of comeliness and of many virtues. Our children were growing learned and accomplished in such directions as their abilities and inclinations led them. No perceptible danger threatened us or them. No cloud of evil portent rose above the horizon of our sky, yet ever in our minds and hearts the shadows lurked, for we knew, we well knew, that ever unseen an implacable foe drew nearer, nearer, and that inevitably, one by one, we must pass into the silence. We who shared each joy or sorrow, we who so loved that when apart time was robbed of half its value. Ah, me! Ere long a fatal hour arrived and now after the lapse of years and the inexpressible happiness that has come to us, I find myself shrinking from the memory of it.