| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Cavalry General by Xenophon: by the file-leaders who know that this is their appointed post; or in
case of danger suddenly appearing in rear, then by the rear-rank men,
whose main idea is that to desert one's post is base. A want of
orderly arrangement, on the contrary, leads to confusion worse
confounded at every narrow road, at every passage of a river; and when
it comes to fighting, no one of his own free will assigns himself his
proper post in face of an enemey.
[10] Lit. "where to ride," i.e. in what formation whether on the line
of march or in action.
The above are fundamental matters not to be performed without the
active help of every trooper who would wish to be a zealous and
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Dawn O'Hara, The Girl Who Laughed by Edna Ferber: heavy white letters of icing: "Charlottens
Geburtstag."
Reluctantly I tore my gaze from this imposing example
of the German confectioner's art, for Blackie was tugging
impatiently at my sleeve.
"But Blackie," I marveled, "do you honestly suppose
that that structure is intended for some Charlotte's
birthday?"
"In Milwaukee," explained Blackie, "w'en you got a
birthday you got t' have a geburtstag cake, with your
name on it, and all the cousins and aunts and members of
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