| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Hellenica by Xenophon: you were in constant expectation of hearing that the whole of Boeotia
was laid at the feet of Thebes. With the late incidents all is
changed. You need fear Thebes no longer. One brief despatch[27] in
cipher will suffice to procure a dutiful subservience to your every
wish in that quarter, provided only you will take as kindly an
interest in us as we in you."
[24] See "Ages." vii.
[25] "Select Committee." See "Hell." II. iv. 38; and below, VI. iii.
3.
[26] See above, "Hell." III. v. 4.
[27] Lit. "scytale."
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock: "Ay, but," said the baron, "I like to pull off my boots of a night, which you
foresters seldom do, and to ensconce myself thereafter in a comfortable bed.
Your beech-root is over-hard for a couch, and your mossy stump is somewhat
rough for a bolster."
"Had you not dry leaves," said Robin, "with a bishop's surplice over them?
What would you have softer? And had you not an abbot's travelling cloak
for a coverlet? What would you have warmer?"
"Very true," said the baron, "but that was an indulgence to a guest, and I
dreamed all night of the sheriff of Nottingham. I like to feel myself safe,"
he added, stretching out his legs to the fire, and throwing himself
back in his chair with the air of a man determined to be comfortable.
|
