| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Economist by Xenophon: enough to see, whose aspiration lifts them from earth, so eager are
they to be reckoned just men, not by reason only of the gain derivable
from justice, but through passionate desire to deserve my praise--
these in the end I treat as free-born men. I make them wealthy, and
not with riches only, but in honour, as befits their gentle
manliness.[11] For if, Socrates, there be one point in which the man
who thirsts for honour differs from him who thirsts for gain, it is, I
think, in willingness to toil, face danger, and abstain from shameful
gains--for the sake of honour only and fair fame.[12]
[10] Lit. "Those, on the other hand, whom I discover to be roused" (to
honesty--not solely because honesty is the best policy).
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas: "I've only thrown the fellow down, but hark!"
Another shot of a carbine was heard. It was Musqueton, who
was obeying his master's command.
"On! on!" cried D'Artagnan; "all goes well! we have the
first throw."
"Ha! ha!" answered Porthos, "behold, other players appear."
And in fact, two other cavaliers made their appearance,
detached, as it seemed, from the principal group; they again
disputed the road.
This time the lieutenant did not wait for the opposite party
to speak.
Twenty Years After |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Phoenix and the Turtle by William Shakespeare: Seemeth this concordant one!
Love hath reason, reason none
If what parts can so remain.
Whereupon it made this threne
To the phoenix and the dove,
Co-supreme and stars of love;
As chorus to their tragic scene.
THRENOS.
Beauty, truth, and rarity.
Grace in all simplicity,
Here enclos'd in cinders lie.
|
The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from The Spirit of the Border by Zane Grey: let these renegades see I fear to face them."
"I have such a queer feeling. I am afraid. I don't want to be left alone.
Please do not leave me."
Jim strode nervously up and down the length of the room. Nell's worn face, her
beseeching eyes and trembling hands touched his heart. Rather than almost
anything else, he desired to please her, to strengthen her; yet how could he
shirk his duty?
"Nellie, what is it you fear?" he asked, holding her hands tightly.
"Oh, I don't know what--everything. Uncle is growing weaker every day. Look
at Mr. Young; he is only a shadow of his former self, and this anxiety is
wearing Mr. Heckewelder out. He is more concerned than he dares admit. You
The Spirit of the Border |
