| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Tales and Fantasies by Robert Louis Stevenson: through some rough woods, he came out upon a moorland
reaching towards the hills. A few lofty Scotch firs grew
hard by upon a knoll; a clear fountain near the foot of the
knoll sent up a miniature streamlet which meandered in the
heather. A shower had just skimmed by, but now the sun shone
brightly, and the air smelt of the pines and the grass. On a
stone under the trees sat a young lady sketching. We have
learned to think of women in a sort of symbolic
transfiguration, based on clothes; and one of the readiest
ways in which we conceive our mistress is as a composite
thing, principally petticoats. But humanity has triumphed
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Hellenica by Xenophon: trees and beasts of the chase in which my heart rejoiced, lie before
my eyes hacked to pieces, burnt to ashes. Maybe I do not comprehend
the first principles of justice and holiness; do you then explain to
me how all this resembles the conduct of men who know how to repay a
simple debt of gratitude." He ceased, and the Thirty were ashamed
before him and kept silence.[12]
[9] "Ages." v. 4; Plut. "Ages." xi. (Clough, iv. p. 14).
[10] See "Hell." I. i. 6.
[11] Lit. "paradises."
[12] Theopompus of Chios, the historian (b. B.C. 378, fl. B.C. 333),
"in the eleventh book [of his {Suntazis Ellenikon}] borrowed
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Vailima Prayers & Sabbath Morn by Robert Louis Stevenson: treacherous, lead us out of our tribulation into a quiet land.
Look down upon ourselves and upon our absent dear ones. Help us
and them; prolong our days in peace and honour. Give us health,
food, bright weather, and light hearts. In what we meditate of
evil, frustrate our will; in what of good, further our endeavours.
Cause injuries to be forgot and benefits to be remembered.
Let us lie down without fear and awake and arise with exultation.
For his sake, in whose words we now conclude.
IN TIME OF RAIN
WE thank Thee, Lord, for the glory of the late days and the
excellent face of thy sun. We thank Thee for good news received.
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