| 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: upon any of our domestics with regard to our possessions; pointing out
to her that these domestics have only so far a share in their master's
chattels that they must fetch and carry, tend and guard them; nor have
they the right to use a single one of them except the master grant it.
But to the master himself all things pertain to use as he thinks best.
And so I pointed the conclusion: he to whom the greater gain attaches
in the preservation of the property or loss in its destruction, is
surely he to whom by right belongs the larger measure of
attention.[19]
[19] Or, "he it is on whom devolves as his concern the duty of
surveillance."
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Hidden Masterpiece by Honore de Balzac: collected in her passion, living in his happiness, his griefs;
sustaining the genius which overflowed in love ere it found in art its
destined expression.
"Listen, Gillette; come!"
The obedient, happy girl sprang lightly on the painter's knee. She was
all grace and beauty, pretty as the spring-time, decked with the
wealth of feminine charm, and lighting all with the fire of a noble
soul.
"O God!" he exclaimed, "I can never tell her!"
"A secret!" she cried; "then I must know it."
Poussin was lost in thought.
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