Fasting

"I can but say their protestation over;
So much, dear liege, I have already sworn,
That is, to live and study here three years.
But there are other strict observances;
As, not to see a woman in that term,Which I hope well is not enrolled there;
And one day in a week to touch no food
And but one meal on every day beside,
The which I hope is not enrolled there;
And then, to sleep but three hours in the night,
And not be seen to wink of all the day--When I was wont to think no harm all night
And make a dark night too of half the day--
Which I hope well is not enrolled there:
O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep,
Not to see ladies, study, fast, not sleep!"

"I am resolved; 'tis but a three years' fast:"

Say what? ONLY three years!

He makes it sound like that's some small amount of time. I don't think I could give up the rest of the world for 3 years. I mean sure missionaries set themselves apart from the world for 2 years at a time, but they still talk to people and they still are active. Heck they even get P-days to do what they want, and 8 hours sleep. I'm trying to do school now and only getting 6 hours sleep and I'm still doing this.