In a word, I left my home unwarned and unarmed against the seductions of vice.

I returned an initiated devotee to debasing pleasures.

Years of my life were passed in foreign lands; years in which my soul slumbered and seemed pervaded with a moral paralysis; years, the memory of which fills my soul with sorrow and shame.

I went to the capitals of the old world to see life, but in seeing life I became acquainted with death, the death of true manliness and self-respect.

You look astonished; but I tell you, Alf, there is many a poor clod-hopper, on whom are the dust and grime of unremitting toil, who feels more self-respect and true manliness than many of us with our family prestige, social position, and proud ancestral halls.