I am like the old man who has lived through three generations; I have seen folly and its course.
Your mother and father send love by me.

They are expecting you home; but I would not write of this before, lest you should become homesick.

You do not know your father; he is like a tree which makes no moan until it is hewn down.

But if ever any mischance should befall you, then you will learn to know him, and you will wonder at the richness of his nature.

He has had heavy burdens to bear, and is silent in worldly matters; but your mother has relieved his mind from earthly anxiety, and now daylight is beginning to break through the gloom.
Now my eyes grow dim, my hand refuses to do more.