| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Sportsman by Xenophon: from it all and look in vain, cutting them off from wholesome
occupations and even teaching what is bad. I cannot then but blame
them for certain large offences[4] more than lightly; but as regards
the subject matter of their writings my charge is, that while full of
far-fetched phraseology,[5] of solid wholesome sentiments, by which
the young might be trained to virtue, I see not a vestige. Speaking as
a plain man, I know that to be taught what is good by one's own nature
is best of all,[6] and next best to learn of those who really do know
some good thing rather than of those who have an art to deceive. It
may well be that I fail to express myself in subtle language,[7] nor
do I pretend to aim at subtlety; what I do aim at is to express
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Hor. Season your admiration for a while
With an attent eare; till I may deliuer
Vpon the witnesse of these Gentlemen,
This maruell to you
Ham. For Heauens loue let me heare
Hor. Two nights together, had these Gentlemen
(Marcellus and Barnardo) on their Watch
In the dead wast and middle of the night
Beene thus encountred. A figure like your Father,
Arm'd at all points exactly, Cap a Pe,
Appeares before them, and with sollemne march
Hamlet |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Polity of Athenians and Lacedaemonians by Xenophon: counter-march by ranks, until the leader is on the right, and the rear
rank on the left. Or again, supposing a division of the enemy appears
on the right whilst they are marching in column, they have nothing
further to do but to wheel each company to the right, like a trireme,
prow forwards,[22] to meet the enemy, and thus the rear company again
finds itself on the right. If, however, the enemy should attack on the
left, either they will not allow of that and push him aside,[23] or
else they wheel their companies to the left to face the antagonist,
and thus the rear company once more falls into position on the left.
[13] Or, "alongside of any comrade who may have fallen in their way."
See Plut. "Pelop." 23 (Clough, ii. 222); Thuc. v. 72.
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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 Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne: Passepartout was summoned and appeared immediately. Mr. Fogg
still held Aouda's hand in his own; Passepartout understood,
and his big, round face became as radiant as the tropical sun
at its zenith.
Mr. Fogg asked him if it was not too late to notify
the Reverend Samuel Wilson, of Marylebone parish, that evening.
Passepartout smiled his most genial smile, and said,
"Never too late."
It was five minutes past eight.
"Will it be for to-morrow, Monday?"
"For to-morrow, Monday," said Mr. Fogg, turning to Aouda.
Around the World in 80 Days |
