| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Charmides by Plato: curing the head alone, and not the rest of the body also, is the height of
folly. And arguing in this way they apply their methods to the whole body,
and try to treat and heal the whole and the part together. Did you ever
observe that this is what they say?
Yes, he said.
And they are right, and you would agree with them?
Yes, he said, certainly I should.
His approving answers reassured me, and I began by degrees to regain
confidence, and the vital heat returned. Such, Charmides, I said, is the
nature of the charm, which I learned when serving with the army from one of
the physicians of the Thracian king Zamolxis, who are said to be so skilful
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Lone Star Ranger by Zane Grey: be his reception.
The valley was much larger than it had appeared from the high
elevation. Well watered, green with grass and tree, and farmed
evidently by good hands, it gave Duane a considerable surprise.
Horses and cattle were everywhere. Every clump of cottonwoods
surrounded a small adobe house. Duane saw Mexicans working in
the fields and horsemen going to and fro. Presently he passed a
house bigger than the others with a porch attached. A woman,
young and pretty he thought, watched him from a door. No one
else appeared to notice him.
Presently the trail widened into a road, and that into a kind
The Lone Star Ranger |
