| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Symposium by Xenophon: have no wealth either public or private." Cf. "Econ." v. 4.
Hitherto, no doubt (retorted Callias), although I had plenty of wise
things to say, I have kept my wisdom to myself; but if only you will
honour me with your company to-day, I promise to present myself in
quite another light; you will see I am a person of no mean
consideration after all.[19]
[19] Or, "I will prove to you that I am worthy of infinite respect."
Socrates and the others, while thanking Callias politely for the
invitation, were not disposed at first to join the dinner party; but
the annoyance of the other so to be put off was so obvious that in the
end the party were persuaded to accompany their host.
The Symposium |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy: of spies, for he called Desgas quickly back to his side.
"The English schooner?" he asked.
"She was lost sight of at sundown, citoyen," replied Desgas,
"but was then making west, towards Cap Gris Nez."
"Ah!--good!--" muttered Chauvelin, "and now, about Captain
Jutley?--what did he say?"
"He assured me that all the orders you sent him last week have
been implicitly obeyed. All the roads which converge to this place
have been patrolled night and day ever since: and the beach and cliffs
have been most rigorously searched and guarded."
"Does he know where this `Pere Blanchard's' hut is?"
The Scarlet Pimpernel |
