| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Cavalry General by Xenophon: supposing that the decadarchs are free to choose their own supports,
and those chosen theirs, and so on following suit; since on this
principle we may expect each man to have his trustiest comrade at his
back.
As to your lieutenant,[7] it is every way important to appoint a good
man to this post, whose bravery will tell; and in case of need at any
time to charge the enemy, the cheering accents of his voice will
infuse strength into those in front; or when the critical moment of
retreat arrives, his sage conduct in retiring will go far, we may well
conclude, towards saving his division.[8]
[7] {ton aphegoumenon}, lit. "him who leads back" (a function which
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum: for nowhere in the Land of Oz could I hope to meet with so congenial a
company."
"That is true," acknowledged the Pumpkinhead. "We are quite as congenial as
flies and honey."
"But -- pardon me if I seem inquisitive -- are you not all rather -- ahem!
rather unusual?" asked the Woggle-Bug, looking from one to another with
unconcealed interest.
"Not more so than yourself," answered the Scarecrow. "Everything in life is
unusual until you get accustomed to it."
"What rare philosophy!" exclaimed the Woggle-Bug, admiringly.
"Yes; my brains are working well today," admitted the Scarecrow, an accent
The Marvelous Land of Oz |
