| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Persuasion by Jane Austen: still more trivial, from different people scattered here and there,
while many letters and memorandums of real importance had been destroyed.
Here it is; I would not burn it, because being even then very little
satisfied with Mr Elliot, I was determined to preserve every document
of former intimacy. I have now another motive for being glad
that I can produce it."
This was the letter, directed to "Charles Smith, Esq. Tunbridge Wells,"
and dated from London, as far back as July, 1803: --
"Dear Smith,--I have received yours. Your kindness almost overpowers me.
I wish nature had made such hearts as yours more common, but I have
lived three-and-twenty years in the world, and have seen none like it.
Persuasion |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Emma by Jane Austen: immediately off likewise, sat down again, seemingly inclined
for more chat. He began speaking of Harriet, and speaking
of her with more voluntary praise than Emma had ever heard before.
"I cannot rate her beauty as you do," said he; "but she is a
pretty little creature, and I am inclined to think very well of
her disposition. Her character depends upon those she is with;
but in good hands she will turn out a valuable woman."
"I am glad you think so; and the good hands, I hope, may not be wanting."
"Come," said he, "you are anxious for a compliment, so I will
tell you that you have improved her. You have cured her of her
school-girl's giggle; she really does you credit."
Emma |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Unseen World and Other Essays by John Fiske: the trade; for government, by publishing weekly returns of the
rates in every district, rendered the traffic both easy and safe.
Every one knew where to buy grain cheapest, and where to sell it
dearest, and food was accordingly brought from the districts that
could best spare it, and carried to those which most urgently
needed it. Not only were prices equalized so far as possible
throughout the stricken parts, but the publicity given to the
high rates in Lower Bengal induced large shipments from the upper
provinces, and the chief seat of the trade became unable to
afford accommodation for landing the vast stores of grain brought
down the river. Rice poured into the affected districts from all
The Unseen World and Other Essays |
