CHAPTER II.
"At last we separate: To Jutland one, to Fuenen others go; And still the quick thought comes, -- A day so bright, so full of fun, Never again on us shall rise."-- CARL BAGGER.
It was in October of the year 1829.

Examen artium had been passed through.

Several young students were assembled in the evening at the abode of one of their comrades, a young Copenhagener of eighteen, whose parents were giving him and his new friends a banquet in honor of the examination.

The mother and sister had arranged everything in the nicest manner, the father had given excellent wine out of the cellar, and the student himself, here the rex convivii, had provided tobacco, genuine Oronoko-canaster.

With regard to Latin, the invitation--which was, of course, composed in Latin--informed the guests that each should bring his own.
The company, consisting of one and twenty persons--and these were only the most intimate friends--was already assembled.