| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Christ in Flanders by Honore de Balzac: gatherings of workers on winter evenings, that the details vary widely
in poetic merit and incongruity of detail. It has been told by every
generation, handed down by grandames at the fireside, narrated night
and day, and the chronicle has changed its complexion somewhat in
every age. Like some great building that has suffered many
modifications of successive generations of architects, some sombre
weather-beaten pile, the delight of a poet, the story would drive the
commentator and the industrious winnower of words, facts, and dates to
despair. The narrator believes in it, as all superstitious minds in
Flanders likewise believe; and is not a whit wiser nor more credulous
than his audience. But as it would be impossible to make a harmony 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 The Koran: upon them do they give alms. No soul knows what is reserved for them
of cheerfulness for eye, as a reward for that which they have done! Is
he who is a believer like him who is a sinner? they shall not be
held equal.
As for those who believe and do right, for them are the gardens of
resort, an entertainment for that which they have done!
But as for those who commit abomination there resort is the Fire.
Every time that they desire to go forth therefrom, we will send them
back therein, and it will be said to them, 'Taste ye the torment of
the fire which ye did call a lie!' and we will surely make them
taste of the torment of the nearer torment beside the greater
The Koran |
