| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Death of the Lion by Henry James: "They've been everything to me and a little more beside - I know
them by heart. They've completely taken hold of me. There's no
author about whom I'm in such a state as I'm in about Neil
Paraday."
"Permit me to remark then," I presently returned, "that you're one
of the right sort."
"One of the enthusiasts? Of course I am!"
"Oh there are enthusiasts who are quite of the wrong. I mean
you're one of those to whom an appeal can be made."
"An appeal?" Her face lighted as if with the chance of some great
sacrifice.
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Enemies of Books by William Blades: "You may trace him oft
By scars which his activity has left
Upon our shelves and volumes. * * *
He who with pocket-knife will cut the edge
Of luckless panel or of prominent book,
Detaching with a stroke a label here, a back-band there."
_Excursion III, 83_.
Pleased, too, are they, if, with mouths full of candy,
and sticky fingers, they can pull in and out the books on your
bottom shelves, little knowing the damage and pain they will cause.
One would fain cry out, calling on the Shade of Horace to pardon
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Spirit of the Border by Zane Grey: "Do not preach to-day. I have been warned again," he said, in a low voice.
"Do you forbid it?" inquired Edwards.
"No, no. I have not that authority, but I implore it. Wait, wait until the
Indians are in a better mood."
Edwards left the group, and, stepping upon the platform, faced the Christians.
At the same moment Half King stalked majestically from before his party. He
carried no weapon save a black, knotted war-club. A surging forward of the
crowd of savages behind him showed the intense interest which his action had
aroused. He walked forward until he stood half way between the platform and
the converts. He ran his evil glance slowly over the Christians, and then
rested it upon Edwards.
The Spirit of the Border |
