This duty is to warn you; to bid you consider well the step you are to take.
"Listen, Agostino.

I am speaking to you out of the bitter experience of a very cruel life.

I would not have you tread the path I have trodden.
It seldom leads to happiness in this world or the next; it seldom leads anywhere but straight to Hell." He paused, and I looked into his haggard face in utter stupefaction to hear such words from the lips of one whom I had ever looked upon as goodness incarnate.
"Had I not known that some day I must speak to you as I am speaking now, I had long since abandoned a task which I did not consider good.

But I feared to leave you.

I feared that if I were removed my place might be taken by some time-server who to earn a livelihood would tutor you as your mother would have you tutored, and thrust you forth without warning upon the life to which you have been vowed.
"Once, years ago, I was on the point of resisting your mother." He passed a hand wearily across his brow.