And it came to pass early in the morning of the last day of the
semester, there arose a multitude smiting their books and
wailing. And there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth, for
the day of judgment was at hand and they were sore afraid. For
they had left undone those things which they ought to have done,
and there was no help for it.
And there were many abiding in the dorm who had kept watch over
their books all night, but it naught availeth. But some there
were who arose peacefully for they had prepared for themselves
the way, and had made straight the path of knowledge. And these
wise ones were known to some as the burners of the midnight oil,
but by others they were called curve breakers.
And the multitudes arose and ate a hearty breakfast; and they
came into the appointed place and their hearts were heavy within
them. And they had come to pass, but some to pass out.
And some of them repented of their riotous living and bemoaned
their fate, but they had not a prayer. And at the last, there
came among them one known as the instructor, he of the diabolical
smile, and passed out papers among them and went upon his way.
And many and varied were the answers which were given, for some
of his teachings had fallen among fertile minds, others had
fallen flat. And some there were who wrote for one hour, others
for two, but some turned away sorrowfully. And many of these
offered up a little "bull" in hopes of pacifying the instructor,
for these were the ones who had no prayer. And when they had
finished they gathered up their belongings and went quietly away,
each in his own direction, and each one vowing to himself in this
manner: "I shall not pass this way again, but it is a long road
that hath no turning."