| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Emma McChesney & Co. by Edna Ferber: harmony. Emma pulled herself up now and then, horrified to find
a rasping note of impatience in her voice. Buck found himself,
once or twice, fairly caught in a little whirlpool of ill temper
of his own making. These conditions they discovered almost
simultaneously. And like the comrades they were, they talked it
over and came to a sensible understanding.
"We're a bit ragged and saw-edged," said Emma. "We're getting
on each other's nerves. What we need is a vacation from each
other. This morning I found myself on the verge of snapping at
you. At you! Imagine, T. A.!"
Whereupon Buck came forward with his confession.
Emma McChesney & Co. |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Euthydemus by Plato: same things.
A pretty clatter, as men say, Euthydemus, this of yours! and will you
explain how I possess that knowledge for which we were seeking? Do you
mean to say that the same thing cannot be and also not be; and therefore,
since I know one thing, that I know all, for I cannot be knowing and not
knowing at the same time, and if I know all things, then I must have the
knowledge for which we are seeking--May I assume this to be your ingenious
notion?
Out of your own mouth, Socrates, you are convicted, he said.
Well, but, Euthydemus, I said, has that never happened to you? for if I am
only in the same case with you and our beloved Dionysodorus, I cannot
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