| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Essays & Lectures by Oscar Wilde: to life now, which considering the probable severity of his
criticisms would be rather trying to our conceit, he would be found
far oftener at the circus than at the theatre. A good circus is an
oasis of Hellenism in a world that reads too much to be wise, and
thinks too much to be beautiful. If it were not for the running-
ground at Eton, the towing-path at Oxford, the Thames swimming-
baths, and the yearly circuses, humanity would forget the plastic
perfection of its own form, and degenerate into a race of short-
sighted professors and spectacled PRECIEUSES. Not that the circus
proprietors are, as a rule, conscious of their high mission. Do
they not bore us with the HAUTE ECOLE, and weary us with
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Vendetta by Honore de Balzac: powers of his reason to prevent him from throwing Monsieur Roguin
through the window. An expression of anger ran through his wrinkles,
which caused the notary to think to himself: "I've produced an
effect."
"But," he continued, in a honeyed tone, "Monsieur le baron, on such
occasions our duties are preceded by--efforts at--conciliation--Deign,
therefore, to have the goodness to listen to me--It is in evidence
that Mademoiselle Ginevra di Piombo--attains this very day--the age at
which the law allows a respectful summons before proceeding to the
celebration of a marriage--in spite of the non-consent of the parents.
Now--it is usual in families--who enjoy a certain consideration--who
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from A Start in Life by Honore de Balzac: like me, to talk without saying anything."
"That's what speech is for," remarked Mistigris, by way of conclusion.
The count returned to his seat and the coucou rolled on amid the
deepest silence.
"Well, my friends," said the count, when they reached the Carreau
woods, "here we all are, as silent as if we were going to the
scaffold."
"'Silence gives content,'" muttered Mistigris.
"The weather is fine," said Georges.
"What place is that?" said Oscar, pointing to the chateau de
Franconville, which produces a fine effect at that particular spot,
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