| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Alexandria and her Schools by Charles Kingsley: they hope to discover. But indeed, the Mussulmans did not so much wish
to discover truth, as to cultivate their own intellects. For that
purpose a sharp and subtle systematist, like Aristotle, was the very man
whom they required; and from the destruction of Alexandria may date the
rise of the Aristotelian philosophy. Translations of his works were
made into Arabic, first, it is said, from Persian and Syriac
translations; the former of which had been made during the sixth and
seventh centuries, by the wreck of the Neoplatonist party, during their
visit to the philosophic Chozroos. A century after, they filled
Alexandria. After them Almansoor, Hairoun Alraschid, and their
successors, who patronised the Nestorian Christians, obtained from them
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Lone Star Ranger by Zane Grey: In that look Duane saw a strong, unscrupulous man fallen into
evil ways, but still a man. It betrayed Lawson to be the wild
and passionate weakling. Duane seemed to see also how during
all the years of association this strong man had upheld the
weak one. But that time had gone for ever, both in intent on
Longstreth's part and in possibility. Lawson, like the great
majority of evil and unrestrained men on the border, had
reached a point where influence was futile. Reason had
degenerated. He saw only himself.
"But, Floyd, Ray's the one person on earth who must never know
I'm a rustler, a thief, a red-handed ruler of the worst gang on
The Lone Star Ranger |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Black Beauty by Anna Sewell: she would throw her weight right into the collar, and pull away straight up.
We had both the same sort of courage at our work, and John had oftener
to hold us in than to urge us forward; he never had to use the whip
with either of us; then our paces were much the same,
and I found it very easy to keep step with her when trotting,
which made it pleasant, and master always liked it when we kept step well,
and so did John. After we had been out two or three times together
we grew quite friendly and sociable, which made me feel very much at home.
As for Merrylegs, he and I soon became great friends; he was such a cheerful,
plucky, good-tempered little fellow that he was a favorite with every one,
and especially with Miss Jessie and Flora, who used to ride him about
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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 The Octopus by Frank Norris: large enough, that it is not evil, but good, that in the end
remains."
There was a long pause. Presley, his mind full of new thoughts,
held his peace, and Vanamee added at length:
"I believed Angele dead. I wept over her grave; mourned for her
as dead in corruption. She has come back to me, more beautiful
than ever. Do not ask me any further. To put this story, this
idyl, into words, would, for me, be a profanation. This must
suffice you. Angele has returned to me, and I am happy. Adios."
He rose suddenly. The friends clasped each other's hands.
"We shall probably never meet again," said Vanamee; "but if these
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