| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Pagan and Christian Creeds by Edward Carpenter: of comparative harmony in human life--to which later
generations were justified in looking back, and looking back
with regret. It corresponded in the psychology of human
Evolution to stage One. The second stage was
that of the Fall; and so one is inevitably led to the
conjecture and the hope that a third stage will redeem the
earth and its inhabitants to a condition of comparative
blessedness.
X. THE SAVIOUR-GOD AND THE VIRGIN-MOTHER
From the consideration of the world-wide belief in a past
Golden Age, and the world-wide practice of the Eucharist,
Pagan and Christian Creeds |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Richard III by William Shakespeare: Farewell, until we meet again in heaven. Exeunt
SCENE 4
London. The Tower
Enter BUCKINGHAM, DERBY, HASTINGS, the BISHOP of ELY, RATCLIFF,
LOVEL,
with others and seat themselves at a table
HASTINGS. Now, noble peers, the cause why we are met
Is to determine of the coronation.
In God's name speak-when is the royal day?
BUCKINGHAM. Is all things ready for the royal time?
DERBY. It is, and wants but nomination.
Richard III |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Alcibiades II by Platonic Imitator: or folly (whichever is the right word)--
'Has brought these unmeasured woes upon them.' (Homer. Odyss.)
He must have been a wise poet, Alcibiades, who, seeing as I believe, his
friends foolishly praying for and doing things which would not really
profit them, offered up a common prayer in behalf of them all:--
'King Zeus, grant us good whether prayed for or unsought by us;
But that which we ask amiss, do thou avert.' (The author of these lines,
which are probably of Pythagorean origin, is unknown. They are found also
in the Anthology (Anth. Pal.).)
In my opinion, I say, the poet spoke both well and prudently; but if you
have anything to say in answer to him, speak out.
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