| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells: and came forward with quivering nostrils and glittering eyes;
the third was the horrible nondescript of bear and bull.
When I saw them approaching those wretched remains, heard them
snarling at one another and caught the gleam of their teeth,
a frantic horror succeeded my repulsion. I turned my back upon them,
struck the lug and began paddling out to sea. I could not bring myself
to look behind me.
I lay, however, between the reef and the island that night,
and the next morning went round to the stream and filled the empty
keg aboard with water. Then, with such patience as I could command,
I collected a quantity of fruit, and waylaid and killed two rabbits
The Island of Doctor Moreau |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Symposium by Xenophon: precious things entrusted to the keeping of one who has the inward
beauty of the soul.[76]
[74] He (the master-mistress of my passion).
[75] {kharitas} = "kindly offices," beneficia. Cf. "Ages." iv. 4;
"Mem." IV. iv. 17. Al. = delicias, "to deposit some darling
object."
[76] Or, "some one truly lovable in soul and heart."
Ah, yes! and you, my friend (he turned to Callias), you have good
reason to be thankful to the gods who of their grace inspired you with
love for your Autolycus. Covetous of honour,[77] beyond all
controversy, must he be, who could endure so many toils and pains to
The Symposium |
