know, in a greater or less degree, this loosening of the wings,
this bounding over the limits of maturity into the lists of
philosophy. We all strive after a wider field, and rush thither
like the stream which at length loses itself in the ocean.

Then for the first time does the youthful soul rightly feel her
freedom, and, therefore, feels it doubly; the soul struggles for
activity, she comprehends her individuality; it has been proved and
not found too light; she is still in possession of the dreams of
childhood, which have not yet proved delusive. Not even the joy of
love, not the enthusiasm for art and science, so thrills through
all the nerves as the words, "Now am I a student!"

This spring-day of life, on which the ice-covering of the school is
broken, when the tree of Hope puts forth its buds and the sun of
Freedom shines, falls with us, as is well known, in the month of
October, just when Nature loses her foliage, when the evenings
begin to grow darker, and when heavy winter-clouds draw together,
as though they would say to youth,--"Your spring, the birth of the
examination, is only a dream! even now does your life become
earnest!" But our happy youths think not of these things, neither
will we be joyous with the gay, and pay a visit to their circle. In
such a one our story takes its commencement.



CHAPTER II

"At last we separate:
To Jutland one, to Funen others go;