| 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: philosopher is the common friend of all; he neither honours nor
despises the fortunes of men.
[12] L. Dind. cf. Eur. "Heracl." 370, {tou tauta kalos an eie} | {para
g' eu phronousin}.
[13] {paraggelmata}. Cf. Aesch. "Ag." 480, "telegraph"; Lys. 121. 32;
Dem. 569. 1; "words of command"; Dion. H. "De Comp." 248,
"instructions, precepts."
[14] {enthumemata}.
Nor would I have you envy or imitate those either who recklessly
pursue the path of self-aggrandisement,[15] whether in private or in
public life; but consider well[16] that the best of men,[17] the true
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Men of Iron by Howard Pyle: "Look now," said Myles, "here is just my ill- fortune. Why might
he not have waited an hour longer rather than cause me to miss
going with ye?"
"Nay," said Gascoyne, "let not that grieve thee, Myles. Wilkes
and I will wait for thee in the dormitory--will we not, Edmund?
Make thou haste and go to Sir James."
Sir James was sitting at the table studying over a scroll of
parchment, when Myles entered his office and stood before him at
the table.
"Well, boy," said he, laying aside the parchment and looking up
at the lad, "I have tried thee fairly for these few days, and may
 Men of Iron |