My prayers will always follow you to the field where Mars harvests heroes.

May you merit the guerdon of valor, and show yourself a good citizen, as you have been a good son!' "Speaking thus, he opened his arms to me.

I threw myself into them; we mingled our tears, and I promised to return to our hearthstone as soon as I could bring the star of honor suspended from my breast.

But alas! my unhappy father was destined to see me no more.

The fate which was already gilding the thread of my days, pitilessly severed that of his.