| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Hellenica by Xenophon: he added, "I think the goodwill of heaven will be secured, and the
states will suffer least annoyance." But the Assembly, on hearing
these views, agreed that this man was talking nonsense. Puppets in the
hands of fate![1] An unseen power, it would seem, was already driving
them onwards; so they sent instructions to Cleombrotus not to disband
the army, but to march straight against the Thebans if they refused to
recognise the autonomy of the states. [Cleombrotus, it is understood,
had, on hearing the news of the establishment of peace, sent to the
ephorate to ask for guidance; and then they sent him the above
instructions, bidding him under the circumstances named to march upon
Thebes.[2]]
|
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Forged Coupon by Leo Tolstoy: up young man with a moustache. He gambled,
had a large feminine acquaintance, and always had
ready cash. He lived with his aunt. Mitia
quite realised that Mahin was not a respectable
fellow, but when he was in his company he could
not help doing what he wished. Mahin was in
when Mitia called, and was just preparing to go
to the theatre. His untidy room smelt of scented
soap and eau-de-Cologne.
"That's awful, old chap," said Mahin, when
Mitia telling him about his troubles, showed the
The Forged Coupon |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Heart of the West by O. Henry: instructions were to prevent the invasion of Garcia, either alone or
attended by his gang.
Travel was slight that sultry afternoon, and the rangers swore gently,
and mopped their brows in their convenient but close quarters. For an
hour no one had crossed save an old woman enveloped in a brown wrapper
and a black mantilla, driving before her a burro loaded with kindling
wood tied in small bundles for peddling. Then three shots were fired
down the street, the sound coming clear and snappy through the still
air.
The four rangers quickened from sprawling, symbolic figures of
indolence to alert life, but only one rose to his feet. Three turned
Heart of the West |
