| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Vailima Prayers & Sabbath Morn by Robert Louis Stevenson: native drums had ceased; but no Samoan, nor, I trust, white person,
changed his reverent attitude. Once, I remember a look of
surprised dismay crossing the countenance of Tusitala when my son,
contrary to his usual custom of reading the next chapter following
that of yesterday, turned back the leaves of his Bible to find a
chapter fiercely denunciatory, and only too applicable to the
foreign dictators of distracted Samoa. On another occasion the
chief himself brought the service to a sudden check. He had just
learned of the treacherous conduct of one in whom he had every
reason to trust. That evening the prayer seemed unusually short
and formal. As the singing stopped he arose abruptly and left the
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Betty Zane by Zane Grey: gauntlet, the knife, the stake and torch of the merciless savage, he had
grasped at a desperate chance. He saw his enemies stealthily darting from rock
to tree, and tree to bush, creeping through the brush, and slipping closer and
closer every moment. On three sides were his hated foes and on the remaining
side--the abyss. Without a moment's hesitation the intrepid Major spurred his
horse at the precipice. Never shall I forget that thrilling moment. The three
hundred savages were silent as they realized the Major's intention. Those in
the fort watched with staring eyes. A few bounds and the noble steed reared
high on his hind legs. Outlined by the clear blue sky the magnificent animal
stood for one brief instant, his black mane flying in the wind, his head
thrown up and his front hoofs pawing the air like Marcus Curtius' mailed steed
Betty Zane |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Professor by Charlotte Bronte: Say, "God, she must revive!"
I felt his hand, with gentle stress,
A moment laid on mine,
And wished to mark my consciousness
By some responsive sign.
But pow'rless then to speak or move,
I only felt, within,
The sense of Hope, the strength of Love,
Their healing work begin.
And as he from the room withdrew,
My heart his steps pursued;
The Professor |
