The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Eryxias by Platonic Imitator: to our bodily wants, and bodily wants were unknown to us, we should not
need wealth, and possibly there would be no such thing as wealth.
ERYXIAS: Clearly not.
SOCRATES: Then our conclusion is, as would appear, that wealth is what is
useful to this end?
Eryxias once more gave his assent, but the small argument considerably
troubled him.
SOCRATES: And what is your opinion about another question:--Would you say
that the same thing can be at one time useful and at another useless for
the production of the same result?
ERYXIAS: I cannot say more than that if we require the same thing to
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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 Mansion by Henry van Dyke: brought,
all the strength and love that you have bestowed upon the
suffering,
are here; for we have built them all into this mansion for you."
The good man's face was lighted with a still joy. He clasped his
old friend's hand closely, and whispered: "How wonderful it is!
Go on, you will come to your mansion next, it is not far away,
and we shall see each other again soon, very soon."
So he went through the garden, and into the music within.
The Keeper of the Gate turned to John Weightman with level,
quiet,
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