| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Unconscious Comedians by Honore de Balzac: Theodore Gaillard, formerly a wit, had ended by becoming a stupid man
in consequence of remaining constantly in one centre,--a moral
phenomenon frequently to be observed in Paris. His principal method of
conversation consisted in sowing his speeches with sayings taken from
plays then in vogue and pronounced in imitation of well-known actors.
"We have come to blague," said Leon.
"'Again, young men'" (Odry in the Saltimbauques).
"Well, this time, we've got him, sure," said Gaillard's other visitor,
apparently by way of conclusion.
"ARE you sure of it, pere Fromenteau?" asked Gaillard. "This it the
eleventh time you've caught him at night and missed him in the
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Purse by Honore de Balzac: morning, when he went to his studio. However, he still was
reasonable enough to wait till the afternoon. But as soon as he
thought he could present himself to Madame de Rouville, he went
downstairs, rang, blushing like a girl, shyly asked Mademoiselle
Leseigneur, who came to let him in, to let him have the portrait
of the Baron.
"But come in," said Adelaide, who had no doubt heard him come
down from the studio.
The painter followed, bashful and out of countenance, not knowing
what to say, happiness had so dulled his wit. To see Adelaide, to
hear the rustle of her skirt, after longing for a whole morning
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Thuvia, Maid of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs: at the identity of the subject of this conversation. Now
he knew. And they were to kill her! His muscular fingers
clenched until the nails bit into the palms.
"And you wish me to go with you while you fetch
her to Dusar," Vas Kor was saying. "Where is she?"
Astok bent close and whispered into the other's ear.
The suggestion of a smile crossed the cruel features of
Vas Kor. He realized the power that lay within his grasp.
He should be a jed at least.
"And how may I help you, my Prince?" asked the older man suavely.
"I cannot kill her," said Astok. "Issus! I cannot do it!
Thuvia, Maid of Mars |
