| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain: You have to know it just like A B C.'
That was a dismal revelation to me; for my memory was never
loaded with anything but blank cartridges. However, I did
not feel discouraged long. I judged that it was best to make
some allowances, for doubtless Mr. Bixby was 'stretching.'
Presently he pulled a rope and struck a few strokes on the big bell.
The stars were all gone now, and the night was as black as ink.
I could hear the wheels churn along the bank, but I was not entirely
certain that I could see the shore. The voice of the invisible
watchman called up from the hurricane deck--
'What's this, sir?'
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Yates Pride by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman: that I never had a chance to ask you?"
"Of course," said Eudora. "No woman of my family ever allows a
declaration which she does not intend to accept. I was always
taught that by my mother."
Then a small but insistent cry rent the air. "The baby is
awake!" cried Eudora, and ran, or, rather, paced swiftly--Eudora
had been taught never to run--and Lawton followed. It was he who
finally quieted the child, holding the little thing in his arms.
But the baby, before that, cried so long and lustily that all the
women in the Glynn house opposite were on the alert, and also
some of the friends who were calling there. Abby Simson was one.
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Alcibiades II by Platonic Imitator: am resolved to disobey none of his commands, if I am likely to be the
better for them.
SOCRATES: And surely he has a wondrous care for you.
ALCIBIADES: It seems to be altogether advisable to put off the sacrifice
until he is found.
SOCRATES: You are right: that will be safer than running such a
tremendous risk.
ALCIBIADES: But how shall we manage, Socrates?--At any rate I will set
this crown of mine upon your head, as you have given me such excellent
advice, and to the Gods we will offer crowns and perform the other
customary rites when I see that day approaching: nor will it be long
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