| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Economist by Xenophon: wools are introduced, to see that clothing is made for those who need;
your duty also to see that the dried corn is rendered fit and
serviceable for food.
"There is just one of all these occupations which devolve upon you," I
added, "you may not find so altogether pleasing. Should any one of our
household fall sick, it will be your care to see and tend them to the
recovery of their health."
"Nay," she answered, "that will be my pleasantest of tasks, if careful
nursing may touch the springs of gratitude and leave them friendlier
than before."
And I (continued Ischomachus) was struck with admiration at her
|
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Lily of the Valley by Honore de Balzac: short, like the heath of mingled colors. Her body had the freshness we
admire in the unfolding leaf; her spirit the clear conciseness of the
aboriginal mind; she was a child by feeling, grave through suffering,
the mistress of a household, yet a maiden too. Therefore she charmed
artlessly and unconsciously, by her way of sitting down or rising, of
throwing in a word or keeping silence. Though habitually collected,
watchful as the sentinel on whom the safety of others depends and who
looks for danger, there were moments when smiles would wreathe her
lips and betray the happy nature buried beneath the saddened bearing
that was the outcome of her life. Her gift of attraction was
mysterious. Instead of inspiring the gallant attentions which other
The Lily of the Valley |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Georgics by Virgil: Rich but in chaff. Many myself have seen
Steep, as they sow, their pulse-seeds, drenching them
With nitre and black oil-lees, that the fruit
Might swell within the treacherous pods, and they
Make speed to boil at howso small a fire.
Yet, culled with caution, proved with patient toil,
These have I seen degenerate, did not man
Put forth his hand with power, and year by year
Choose out the largest. So, by fate impelled,
Speed all things to the worse, and backward borne
Glide from us; even as who with struggling oars
Georgics |
