| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Sportsman by Xenophon: least liable to rot. The rope and noose itself should both alike be
stout. The log or clog of wood attached should be made of common or of
holm oak with the bark on, three spans in length, and a palm in
thickness.[26]
[19] {podostrabai}, podostrabai so called. Cf. "the boot."
[20] {en tais diodois}, "at points where paths issue," or "cross."
[21] {pros o ti prosie}, "against whatever they are likely to
approach."
[22] Or, "should be woven out of Smilax"; "Ebenholz," Lenz; "Ifs,"
Gail.
[23] {tas de stephanas euk. ekh.} "having circular rims."
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Memories and Portraits by Robert Louis Stevenson: opinions or humours of the moment, he still defends his ventures
with indefatigable wit and spirit, hitting savagely himself, but
taking punishment like a man. He knows and never forgets that
people talk, first of all, for the sake of talking; conducts
himself in the ring, to use the old slang, like a thorough
"glutton," and honestly enjoys a telling facer from his adversary.
Cockshot is bottled effervescency, the sworn foe of sleep. Three-
in-the-morning Cockshot, says a victim. His talk is like the
driest of all imaginable dry champagnes. Sleight of hand and
inimitable quickness are the qualities by which he lives.
Athelred, on the other hand, presents you with the spectacle of a
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