| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Virginian by Owen Wister: "Here comes our grub, anyway," said Scipio, looking off toward
the marshes. And his hilarity sobered away in a moment.
"Well, the train will be in soon," stated Trampas. "I guess we'll
get a decent supper without frogs."
All interest settled now upon the Virginian. He was coming with
his man and his gunny sack, and the gunny sack hung from his
shoulder heavily, as a full sack should. He took no notice of the
gathering, but sat down and partly emptied the sack. "There,"
said he, very businesslike, to his assistant, "that's all we'll
want. I think you'll find a ready market for the balance."
"Well, my gracious!" said the enthusiast. "What fool eats a
The Virginian |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Kenilworth by Walter Scott: was as much as his post was worth to disobey in the least tittle
the commands which he had received.
"Nay, I told you as much before," said Blount; "do, I pray you,
my dear Walter, let us take boat and return."
"Not till I see the Queen come forth," returned the youth
composedly.
"Thou art mad, stark mad, by the Mass!" answered Blount.
"And thou," said Walter, "art turned coward of the sudden. I
have seen thee face half a score of shag-headed Irish kerns to
thy own share of them; and now thou wouldst blink and go back to
shun the frown of a fair lady!"
Kenilworth |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Lysis by Plato: Yes, he said.
And the more vain-glorious they are, the more difficult is the capture of
them?
I believe you.
What should you say of a hunter who frightened away his prey, and made the
capture of the animals which he is hunting more difficult?
He would be a bad hunter, undoubtedly.
Yes; and if, instead of soothing them, he were to infuriate them with words
and songs, that would show a great want of wit: do you not agree.
Yes.
And now reflect, Hippothales, and see whether you are not guilty of all
Lysis |
