| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Voice of the City by O. Henry: again to that quiet corner of that quiet, small park
the girl in gray. She sat upon a bench and read a
book, for there was yet to come a half hour in which
print could be accomplished.
To repeat: Her dress was gray, and plain enough
to mask its impeccancy of style and fit. A large-
meshed veil imprisoned her turban hat and a face
that shone through it with a calm and unconscious
beauty. She had come there at the same hour on the
day previous, and on the day before that; and there
was one who knew it.
 The Voice of the City |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Memorabilia by Xenophon: should a man of sober sense look to receive great blessings if not
from those who are able to help him most, and how else should he hope
to obtain them save by seeking to please his helper, and how may he
hope to please his helper better than by yielding him the amplest
obedience?
[28] Or, "and that law, I presume, is universal which says, Let a
man," etc.; and for the maxim see above; "Anab." III. ii. 9.
By such words--and conduct corresponding to his words--did Socrates
mould and fashion the hearts of his companions, making them at once
more devout and more virtuous.[29]
[29] Or, "sounder of soul and more temperate as well as more pious."
 The Memorabilia |