| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Illustrious Gaudissart by Honore de Balzac: annuitants are secure from those distressing fears which sadden old
age,--too sad already!--fears which pursue those who receive annuities
from private sources. You see, Monsieur, that we have estimated life
under all its aspects."
"Sucked it at both ends," said the lunatic. "Take another glass of
wine. You've earned it. You must line your inside with velvet if you
are going to pump at it like that every day. Monsieur, the wine of
Vouvray, if well kept, is downright velvet."
"Now, what do you think of it all?" said Gaudissart, emptying his
glass.
"It is very fine, very new, very useful; but I like the discounts I
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Pocket Diary Found in the Snow by Grace Isabel Colbron and Augusta Groner: threatens her with death."
"My God, is it possible? Can't we help the poor young lady?"
"We will try to help her, or if it is - too late, we will at least
avenge her. My entire fortune shall be given up for it. But bring
her picture now."
Berner brought the picture of a very pretty girl with a bright
intelligent face. Muller took the picture out of the frame and put
it in his pocket.
"You will come again? soon? And remember, I will give ten thousand
guldens to the man who saves Asta, or avenges her. Tell the police
to spare no expense - I will go to headquarters myself to-morrow."
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift: would leave them in debt two million of pounds sterling, adding
those who are beggars by profession, to the bulk of farmers,
cottagers and labourers, with their wives and children, who are
beggars in effect; I desire those politicians who dislike my
overture, and may perhaps be so bold to attempt an answer, that
they will first ask the parents of these mortals, whether they
would not at this day think it a great happiness to have been
sold for food at a year old, in the manner I prescribe, and
thereby have avoided such a perpetual scene of misfortunes, as
they have since gone through, by the oppression of landlords, the
impossibility of paying rent without money or trade, the want of
A Modest Proposal |
