| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Under the Andes by Rex Stout: "unknown god" in the Inca religion. Well, I would as soon worship
a plate of gold as that little black dwarf.
For perhaps a minute the king stood with outstretched arm and
the Incas remained motionless on their faces. Then he resumed his
seat and they rose. And then the trial began.
The king turned on his throne and laid his hand on Desiree's
arm; we could see her draw away from his touch with an involuntary
shudder. But this apparent antipathy bothered his kingship not at
all; it was probably a most agreeable sensation to feel her soft,
white flesh under his black, hairy hand, and he kept it there,
while with the other arm he made a series of sweeping gestures
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Memorabilia by Xenophon: of our forces if we place in the vanguard those who are the greediest
of gain?[12]
[12] "Whose fingers itch for gold."
The Youth. I should think so.
Soc. Then what if there is danger to be faced? Shall the vanguard
consist of men who are greediest of honour?
The Youth. It is these, at any rate, who will face danger for the sake
of praise and glory.[13] Fortunately such people are not hid away in a
corner; they shine forth conspicuous everywhere, and are easy to be
discovered.
[13] Cf. Shakesp. "seeking the bubble reputation even in the cannon's
The Memorabilia |
