| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Copy-Cat & Other Stories by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman: goes at half past four."
At half past four the couple, made man and wife,
were on the train speeding toward the little home
in the woods. The woman had frizzled her thin
hair pathetically and ridiculously over her temples;
on her left hand gleamed a white diamond. She had
kept it hidden; she had almost starved rather than
part with it. She gazed out of the window at the
flying landscape, and her thin lips were curved in a
charming smile. The man sat beside her, staring
straight ahead as if at happy visions.
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Memorabilia by Xenophon: well-stored wit and judgment.[18]
[18] Or, "To be that implies a considerable store of well-packed
wisdom."
I have no such ambition (he replied).
Soc. Well, do you wish to be a mathematician, like Theodorus?[19]
[19] Of Cyrene (cf. Plat. "Theaet.") taught Plato. Diog. Laert. ii. 8,
19.
Euth. No, nor yet a mathematician.
Soc. Then do you wish to be an astronomer?[20] or (as the youth
signified dissent) possibly a rhapsodist?[21] (he asked), for I am
told you have the entire works of Homer in your possession.[22]
The Memorabilia |
