| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table by Oliver Wendell Holmes: I took up a difficult language a very few years ago with good
success, and think of mathematics and metaphysics by-and-by.
Secondly. I have opened my eyes to a good many neglected
privileges and pleasures within my reach, and requiring only a
little courage to enjoy them. You may well suppose it pleased me
to find that old Cato was thinking of learning to play the fiddle,
when I had deliberately taken it up in my old age, and satisfied
myself that I could get much comfort, if not much music, out of it.
Thirdly. I have found that some of those active exercises, which
are commonly thought to belong to young folks only, may be enjoyed
at a much later period.
The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Hermione's Little Group of Serious Thinkers by Don Marquis: before her and her horoscope back of her. But Isis
just simply froze him with a look.
Don't you think that levity is horrid in the midst
of vital affairs like that?
But I suppose every little group has someone in
it that thinks he or she has to be quippy and face-
tious at times.
Not but what I have a sense of humor myself.
I think a sense of humor is the saving grace, if
you get what I mean.
But no one should try to use it unless he is per-
|
