| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Salammbo by Gustave Flaubert: they reached him, the entire Carthaginian army formed one long
straight line.
In the centre bristled the phalanx, formed of syntagmata or full
squares having sixteen men on each side. All the leaders of all the
files appeared amid long, sharp lanceheads, which jutted out unevenly
around them, for the first six ranks crossed their sarissae, holding
them in the middle, and the ten lower ranks rested them upon the
shoulders of their companions in succession before them. Their faces
were all half hidden beneath the visors of their helmets; their right
legs were all covered with bronze knemids; broad cylindrical shields
reached down to their knees; and the horrible quadrangular mass moved
 Salammbo |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock: [4] And therefore is she called Maid Marian
Because she leads a spotless maiden life
And shall till Robin's outlaw life have end.
Old Play.
"A pretty resolution," said the baron, "if Robin will let you keep it."
"I have sworn it," said Robin. "Should I expose her tenderness
to the perils of maternity, when life and death may hang on shifting
at a moment's notice from Sherwood to Barnsdale, and from Barnsdale
to the sea-shore? And why should I banquet when my merry men starve?
Chastity is our forest law, and even the friar has kept it since
he has been here."
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne: since that gentleman was naturally sedentary and little curious.
The detective, at least, seemed to have found a way; for, after a few moments,
he said to Mr. Fogg, "These are long and slow hours, sir, that we are passing
on the railway."
"Yes," replied Mr. Fogg; "but they pass."
"You were in the habit of playing whist," resumed Fix, "on the steamers."
"Yes; but it would be difficult to do so here. I have neither cards
nor partners."
"Oh, but we can easily buy some cards, for they are sold
on all the American trains. And as for partners, if madam plays--"
"Certainly, sir," Aouda quickly replied; "I understand whist.
 Around the World in 80 Days |