In this paper, the author recounts his early days in the civil service when Anonymity, Poverty and Dedication were the watchwords, and conduct rules were adhered to, both in letter and spirit. It talks about the decline and decay in the civil services even through legitimate `material benefits' for members of the IAS had increased manifold. A tribute is paid to officers of impeccable integrity like B. Sivaraman and P. Pimputkur who stood up to the `highest traditions of the civil service.' - Reproduced.