| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Symposium by Xenophon: first to hand. Indeed, there is no lack of warmth in the caress which
greets me, just because it is unsought by others.[62]
[62] Cf. "Mem." I. iii. 14, the germ of cynicism and stoicism, the
Socratic {XS} form of "better to marry than to burn."
Well then, these several pleasures I enjoy so fully that I am much
more apt to pray for less than more of them, so strongly do I feel
that some of them are sweeter than what is good for one or profitable.
But of all the precious things in my possession, I reckon this the
choicest, that were I robbed of my whole present stock, there is no
work so mean, but it would amply serve me to furnish me with
sustenance. Why, look you, whenever I desire to fare delicately, I
The Symposium |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Iliad by Homer: next he did on the breastplate about his chest. He slung the
silver-studded sword of bronze about his shoulders, and then took
up the shield so great and strong that shone afar with a
splendour as of the moon. As the light seen by sailors from out
at sea, when men have lit a fire in their homestead high up among
the mountains, but the sailors are carried out to sea by wind and
storm far from the haven where they would be--even so did the
gleam of Achilles' wondrous shield strike up into the heavens. He
lifted the redoubtable helmet, and set it upon his head, from
whence it shone like a star, and the golden plumes which Vulcan
had set thick about the ridge of the helmet, waved all around it.
The Iliad |
