| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Prince by Nicolo Machiavelli: them over to himself, for the whole of them quickly rally to the state
which he has acquired there. He has only to take care that they do not
get hold of too much power and too much authority, and then with his
own forces, and with their goodwill, he can easily keep down the more
powerful of them, so as to remain entirely master in the country. And
he who does not properly manage this business will soon lose what he
has acquired, and whilst he does hold it he will have endless
difficulties and troubles.
The Romans, in the countries which they annexed, observed closely
these measures; they sent colonies and maintained friendly relations
with[*] the minor powers, without increasing their strength; they kept
The Prince |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Letters from England by Elizabeth Davis Bancroft: else of the high aristocracy. I told him I was born at Plymouth and
was as proud of my pure Anglo-Saxon Pilgrim descent as if it were
traced from a line of Norman Conquerors. Nearly all the ministers
and their wives came to see us immediately, without waiting for us
to make the first visit, which is the rule, and almost every person
whom we have met in society, which certainly indicates an amiable
feeling toward our country. We could not well have received more
courtesy than we have done, and it has been extended freely and
immediately, without waiting for the forms of etiquette. Pray say
to Mr. Everett how often we hear persons speak of him, and with
highest regard. I feel as if we were reaping some of the fruits of
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Kenilworth by Walter Scott: when their bark bears fairest for the haven?-- What has become of
the lovely Indamira that was to match my Amoret for truth and
beauty?"
"Speak not of her!" said Tressilian, averting his face.
"Ay, stands it so with you?" said the youth, taking his hand
very affectionately; "then, fear not I will again touch the green
wound. But it is strange as well as sad news. Are none of our
fair and merry fellowship to escape shipwreck of fortune and
happiness in this sudden tempest? I had hoped thou wert in
harbour, at least, my dear Edmund. But truly says another dear
friend of thy name,
Kenilworth |
