| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from A Simple Soul by Gustave Flaubert: representing the baptism of our Saviour. With his scarlet wings and
emerald body, it was really the image of Loulou. Having bought the
picture, she hung it near the one of the Comte d'Artois so that she
could take them in at one glance.
They associated in her mind, the parrot becoming sanctified through
the neighbourhood of the Holy Ghost, and the latter becoming more
lifelike in her eyes, and more comprehensible. In all probability the
Father had never chosen as messenger a dove, as the latter has no
voice, but rather one of Loulou's ancestors. And Felicite said her
prayers in front of the coloured picture, though from time to time she
turned slightly towards the bird.
A Simple Soul |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Golden Sayings of Epictetus by Epictetus: Guardian Spirit, and what light do they need to behold what you
do? To this God you also should have sworn allegiance, even as
soliders unto Caesar. They, when their service is hired, swear to
hold the life of Caesar dearer than all else: and will you not
swear your oath, that are deemed worthy of so many and great
gifts? And will you not keep your oath when you have sworn it?
And what oath will you swear? Never to disobey, never to arraign
or murmur at aught that comes to you from His hand: never
unwillingly to do or suffer aught that necessity lays upon you.
"Is this oath like theirs?"
They swear to hold no other dearer than Caesar: you, to hold
The Golden Sayings of Epictetus |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Aeneid by Virgil: Who sways the world below and heav'n above,
Has sent me down with this severe command:
What means thy ling'ring in the Libyan land?
If glory cannot move a mind so mean,
Nor future praise from flitting pleasure wean,
Regard the fortunes of thy rising heir:
The promis'd crown let young Ascanius wear,
To whom th' Ausonian scepter, and the state
Of Rome's imperial name is ow'd by fate."
So spoke the god; and, speaking, took his flight,
Involv'd in clouds, and vanish'd out of sight.
Aeneid |
