| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Deputy of Arcis by Honore de Balzac: shave, I will take you at once, early as it is, to the convent of the
Ursulines. There you shall question Mother Marie-des-Anges, who has
the reputation of a saint throughout this whole department, and I
think that at the close of your interview with her no doubt can remain
upon your mind."
While that devil of a man was speaking, his countenance had so perfect
a look of integrity and benevolence, his speech, always calm, elegant,
and self-possessed, so impressed the mind of his hearer, that I felt
the tide of my anger going down and my sense of security rising.
In fact, his answer /is/ irresistible. The convent of the Ursuline
sisters--heavens and earth! that can't be the rendezvous of makers of
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from A Drama on the Seashore by Honore de Balzac: him,--
"'Sit there,' pointing to the stool. 'You are,' he said, 'before your
father and mother, whom you have offended, and who will now judge
you.'
"At this Jacques began to howl, for his father's face was all
distorted. His mother was rigid as an oar.
"'If you shout, if you stir, if you do not sit still on that stool,'
said Pierre, aiming the gun at him, 'I will shoot you like a dog.'
"Jacques was mute as a fish. The mother said nothing.
"'Here,' said Pierre, 'is a piece of paper which wrapped a Spanish
gold piece. That piece of gold was in your mother's bed; she alone
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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 Trooper Peter Halket of Mashonaland by Olive Schreiner: it over us! It's a damned shame! Why, I want to know, amn't I as good as
any of these fellows, who come swelling it about here? Friends got money,
I suppose!" He cast his sharp glance over towards the bell tent. "If they
gave us real English officers now--"
"Ah!" said the biggest of his companions, who, in spite of his huge form,
had something of the simplicity and good nature of a child in his handsome
face; "it's because you're not a big enough swell, you know! He'll be a
colonel, or a general, before we've done with him. I call them all
generals or colonels up here; it's safest, you know; if they're not that
today they will be tomorrow!"
This was intended as a joke, and in that hot weather, and in that dull
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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 The Memorabilia by Xenophon: good cheer and hope to receive the greatest blessings. For where else
should a man of sober sense look to receive great blessings if not
from those who are able to help him most, and how else should he hope
to obtain them save by seeking to please his helper, and how may he
hope to please his helper better than by yielding him the amplest
obedience?
[28] Or, "and that law, I presume, is universal which says, Let a
man," etc.; and for the maxim see above; "Anab." III. ii. 9.
By such words--and conduct corresponding to his words--did Socrates
mould and fashion the hearts of his companions, making them at once
more devout and more virtuous.[29]
The Memorabilia |
