| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Philebus by Plato: argument that these actions regarded as a class will not conduce to the
happiness of mankind, though true enough, seems to have less force than the
feeling which is already implanted in the mind by conscience and authority.
To resolve this feeling into the greatest happiness principle takes away
from its sacred and authoritative character. The martyr will not go to the
stake in order that he may promote the happiness of mankind, but for the
sake of the truth: neither will the soldier advance to the cannon's mouth
merely because he believes military discipline to be for the good of
mankind. It is better for him to know that he will be shot, that he will
be disgraced, if he runs away--he has no need to look beyond military
honour, patriotism, 'England expects every man to do his duty.' These are
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Plutarch's Lives by A. H. Clough: provisions, and lost a vast number of men, so that of an army of
one hundred and twenty thousand foot and fifteen thousand horse,
he scarcely brought back above a fourth part out of India, they
were so diminished by diseases, ill diet, and the scorching heats,
but most by famine. For their march was through an uncultivated
country whose inhabitants fared hardly, possessing only a few
sheep, and those of a wretched kind, whose flesh was rank and
unsavory, by their continual feeding upon sea-fish.
After sixty days march he came into Gedrosia, where he found great
plenty of all things, which the neighboring kings and governors of
provinces, hearing of his approach, had taken care to provide.
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Heritage of the Desert by Zane Grey: fifty years before man can come in here to take our water."
"Why can't he? The water doesn't belong to any one Why can't he?"
"Because of the unwritten law of the desert. No Mormon would refuse you
or your horse a drink, or even a reasonable supply for your stock. But
you can't come in here and take our water for your own use, to supplant
us, to parch our stock. Why, even an Indian respects desert law!"
"Bah! I'm not a Mormon or an Indian. I'm a cattleman. It's plain
business with me. Once more I make you the offer."
Naab scorned to reply. The men faced each other for a silent moment,
their glances scintillating. Then Holderness whirled on his heel,
jostling into Hare.
The Heritage of the Desert |
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 Blix by Frank Norris: inseparable companion--had gathered by the time they reached the
top of the Washington Street hill. Everything was wet with it.
The asphalt was like varnished ebony. Indistinct masses and huge
dim shadows stood for the houses on either side. From the
eucalyptus trees and the palms the water dripped like rain. Far
off oceanward, the fog-horn was lowing like a lost gigantic bull.
The gray bulk of a policeman--the light from the street lamp
reflected in his star--loomed up on the corner as they descended
from the car.
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