| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Massimilla Doni by Honore de Balzac: lines, form; the means are many; the result is one.
"An Italian architect might give us the same sensation that is
produced in us by the introduction to /Mose/, by constructing a walk
through dark, damp avenues of tall, thick trees, and bringing us out
suddenly in a valley full of streams, flowers, and mills, and basking
in the sunshine. In their greatest moments the arts are but the
expression of the grand scenes of nature.
"I am not learned enough to enlarge on the philosophy of music; go and
talk to Capraja; you will be amazed at what he can tell you. He will
say that every instrument that depends on the touch or breath of man
for its expression and length of note, is superior as a vehicle of
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Men of Iron by Howard Pyle: walked slowly up and down the gravel path between the tall rose-
bushes, Myles stood talking with the gentlemen attendants,
finding himself, with a certain triumphant exultation, the peer
of any and the hero of the hour.
That night was the last that Myles and Gascoyne spent lodging in
the dormitory in their squirehood service. The next day they were
assigned apartments in Lord George's part of the house, and
thither they transported themselves and their belongings, amid
the awestruck wonder and admiration of their fellow-squires.
CHAPTER 24
In Myles Falworth's day one of the greatest ceremonies of courtly
Men of Iron |
