It is not my hand that you wish for, it is my heart; and also that, of my own free will, I shall at once go away with you.

But I tell you plainly that I do not wish to do so.

A while ago I thought to have been as eager for flight as you are.

But sure of my true self now, I know it was only the last rebellion, the agony of the old nature within me, that has just died.

Little by little, without my knowledge, the good traits of my character have been drawn together and strongly united: humility, duty, and renunciation.