| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Alcibiades II by Platonic Imitator: refrained from making his petition. The mass of mankind would not decline
to accept a tyranny, or the command of an army, or any of the numerous
things which cause more harm than good: but rather, if they had them not,
would have prayed to obtain them. And often in a short space of time they
change their tone, and wish their old prayers unsaid. Wherefore also I
suspect that men are entirely wrong when they blame the gods as the authors
of the ills which befall them (compare Republic): 'their own presumption,'
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
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Pool of Blood in the Pastor's Study by Grace Isabel Colbron and Augusta Groner: stood looking at him in a surprise which was mingled with admiration.
"And now, my dear Cardillac, you must tell us of your great deeds
here," said the detective in a friendly tone.
The unfortunate man bent over him with shining eyes and whispered:
"But you'll shoot him first, won't you?"
"Why should I shoot him?"
"Because he won't let me say a word without beating me. He is so
cruel. He sticks pins into me if I don't do what he wants."
"Why didn't you tell the doctor?"
"Gyuri would have treated me worse than ever then. I am a coward,
sir, I'm so afraid of pain and he knew that - he knew that I was
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Divine Comedy (translated by H.F. Cary) by Dante Alighieri: O'ercome the straighter. Lo! the sun, that darts
His beam upon thy forehead! lo! the herb,
The arboreta and flowers, which of itself
This land pours forth profuse! Till those bright eyes
With gladness come, which, weeping, made me haste
To succour thee, thou mayst or seat thee down,
Or wander where thou wilt. Expect no more
Sanction of warning voice or sign from me,
Free of thy own arbitrement to choose,
Discreet, judicious. To distrust thy sense
Were henceforth error. I invest thee then
The Divine Comedy (translated by H.F. Cary) |
