| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Economist by Xenophon: [7] Or, as we say, "inspecting officers." Cf. "Cyrop." VIII. i. 9.
Further than this, by means of a royal progress through the country,
he has an opportunity of inspecting personally some portion of his
territory, and again of visiting the remainder in proxy as above by
trusty representatives; and wheresoever he perceives that any of his
governors can present to him a district thickly populated, and the
soil in a state of active cultivation, full of trees and fruits, its
natural products, to such officers he adds other territory, adorning
them with gifts and distinguishing them by seats of honour. But those
officers whose land he sees lying idle and with but few inhabitants,
owing either to the harshness of their government, their insolence, or
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Polity of Athenians and Lacedaemonians by Xenophon: gait,[5] he left them free to quench thirst when nature dictated[6]; a
method which would at once add to the pleasure whilst it diminished
the danger of drinking. And indeed one may fairly ask how, on such a
system of common meals, it would be possible for any one to ruin
either himself or his family either through gluttony or wine-bibbing.
[5] Or, "apt to render brain and body alike unsteady."
[6] See "Agesilaus"; also "Mem." and "Cyrop."
This too must be borne in mind, that in other states equals in age,[7]
for the most part, associate together, and such an atmosphere is
little conducive to modesty.[8] Whereas in Sparta Lycurgus was careful
so to blend the ages[9] that the younger men must benefit largely by
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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 Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock: "By my flask," said the friar, "but you shall not."
"Then I will," said Marian.
"Still less," said the friar, hurrying out of the cell.
Robin and Marian followed: but the friar outstepped them,
and pushed off his boat.
A white figure was visible under the shade of the opposite trees.
The boat approached the shore, and the figure glided away.
The friar returned.
They re-entered the cottage, and sat some time conversing
on the phenomenon they had seen. The friar sipped his wine,
and after a time, said:
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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 An Old Maid by Honore de Balzac: surprise me one bit; I expected it. You are flinging the scabbard
after the sword, and that's daring for a girl. It takes nerve and
superior ideas to do it, my angel, and therefore you have won my
respectful esteem."
"Monsieur le chevalier, I assure you, you are mistaken, and--"
She colored, and did not dare to say more. The chevalier, with a
single glance, had guessed and fathomed her whole plan.
"Yes, yes! I understand: you want me to believe it," he said. "Well! I
do believe it. But take my advice: go to Monsieur du Bousquier.
Haven't you taken linen there for the last six or eight months? I'm
not asking what went on between you; but I know the man: he has
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