| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from A Legend of Montrose by Walter Scott: action of bravery, yet he behaved with so much composure and
dignity in the final and closing scene, that his conduct upon the
present and similar occasions, should be rather imputed to
indecision than to want of courage. But when the small still
voice within a man's own breast, which tells him that his life is
of consequence to himself, is seconded by that of numbers around
him, who assure him that it is of equal advantage to the public,
history affords many examples of men more habitually daring than
Argyle, who have consulted self-preservation when the temptations
to it were so powerfully increased.
"See him on board, if you will, Sir Duncan," said Auchenbreck to
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Girl with the Golden Eyes by Honore de Balzac: from London, and has ceased to be suspicious of them."
The day after, De Marsay came again to walk on the Terrasse des
Feuillants, and saw Paquita Valdes; already passion had embellished
her for him. Seriously, he was wild for those eyes, whose rays seemed
akin to those which the sun emits, and whose ardor set the seal upon
that of her perfect body, in which all was delight. De Marsay was on
fire to brush the dress of this enchanting girl as they passed one
another in their walk; but his attempts were always vain. But at one
moment, when he had repassed Paquita and the duenna, in order to find
himself on the same side as the girl of the golden eyes, when he
returned, Paquita, no less impatient, came forward hurriedly, and De
The Girl with the Golden Eyes |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Lesser Bourgeoisie by Honore de Balzac: me for remaining faithful to my first desires and our old engagement?"
"My friend, the conversation that I have just had has been a most
instructive one to me; and when you know what I know, with other
details personal to yourself, which will be confided to you, I think
that you will enter into my ideas. One thing is certain; we shall not
go to the notary to-day; and as for you, the best thing that you can
do is to go, without delay, to Monsieur du Portail."
"That name again! it pursues me like a remorse," exclaimed la Peyrade.
"Yes; go at once; he is awaiting you. It is an indispensable
preliminary before we can go any farther. When you have seen that
excellent man and heard what he has to say to you--well, THEN if you
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