For seven years I had been the slave of the director; now I became the slave of poverty, forced to labor to live! Oh, I cannot recall those scenes! Suffice it to say, that during one year I had no fixed abode, never tasted warm food.

But it is passed--I have conquered! After years of struggle, of exertion, of silent misery, only relieved by my stolen hours of blissful study, I gained my reward.

I was free! My examination passed, I was honored with the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts.
After many intervening events, I was appointed conrector of the college attached to the Gray Monastery, which position now supports me." "God be praised, I breathe freely!" answered Goethe, with one of those sunny smiles which, in a moment of joyful excitement, lighted up his face.

"I feel like one shipwrecked, who has, at last, reached a safe harbor.

I rejoice in your rescue as if it were my own.