| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Theaetetus by Plato: one of you, but not the other, and my knowledge of him does not accord with
perception--that was the case put by me just now which you did not
understand.
THEAETETUS: No, I did not.
SOCRATES: I meant to say, that when a person knows and perceives one of
you, his knowledge coincides with his perception, he will never think him
to be some other person, whom he knows and perceives, and the knowledge of
whom coincides with his perception--for that also was a case supposed.
THEAETETUS: True.
SOCRATES: But there was an omission of the further case, in which, as we
now say, false opinion may arise, when knowing both, and seeing, or having
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens: emulation of his great example, bold and daring spirits, and
aspired to a distinguished state in great political events. Hence
their connection with the Protestant Association of England,
sanctioned by the name of Lord George Gordon; and hence their
present visit to The Boot.
'Gentlemen!' said Mr Tappertit, taking off his hat as a great
general might in addressing his troops. 'Well met. My lord does
me and you the honour to send his compliments per self.'
'You've seen my lord too, have you?' said Dennis. 'I see him this
afternoon.'
'My duty called me to the Lobby when our shop shut up; and I saw
Barnaby Rudge |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Vendetta by Honore de Balzac: the public to obtain a happiness her parents refused to sanction.
"Why should others come between us?" she said with an artlessness of
feeling that delighted Luigi.
A sense of accomplished happiness now made the step of the young pair
lighter; they saw neither heaven, nor earth, nor houses; they flew, as
it were, on wings to the church. When they reached a dark little
chapel in one corner of the building, and stood before a plain
undecorated altar, an old priest married them. There, as in the
mayor's office, two other marriages were taking place, still pursuing
them with pomp. The church, filled with friends and relations, echoed
with the roll of carriages, and the hum of beadles, sextons, and
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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 Lesser Hippias by Plato: admissions which you and I have made, whether you discover any department
of art or any description of wisdom or cunning, whichever name you use, in
which the true and false are different and not the same: tell me, if you
can, of any. But you cannot.
HIPPIAS: Not without consideration, Socrates.
SOCRATES: Nor will consideration help you, Hippias, as I believe; but then
if I am right, remember what the consequence will be.
HIPPIAS: I do not know what you mean, Socrates.
SOCRATES: I suppose that you are not using your art of memory, doubtless
because you think that such an accomplishment is not needed on the present
occasion. I will therefore remind you of what you were saying: were you
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