| 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: ascribed to Plato. They are examples of Platonic dialogues to be assigned
probably to the second or third generation after Plato, when his writings
were well known at Athens and Alexandria. They exhibit considerable
originality, and are remarkable for containing several thoughts of the sort
which we suppose to be modern rather than ancient, and which therefore have
a peculiar interest for us. The Second Alcibiades shows that the
difficulties about prayer which have perplexed Christian theologians were
not unknown among the followers of Plato. The Eryxias was doubted by the
ancients themselves: yet it may claim the distinction of being, among all
Greek or Roman writings, the one which anticipates in the most striking
manner the modern science of political economy and gives an abstract form
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from King James Bible: confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
PRO 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth
his heart shall fall into mischief.
PRO 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler
over the poor people.
PRO 28:16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great
oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
PRO 28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall
flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
PRO 28:18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is
perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
King James Bible |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Great God Pan by Arthur Machen: silence, and then perhaps the rush and clatter of a hansom on
the stones, and the fire starting up under the horse's hoofs.
I walked along pretty briskly, for I was feeling a little tired
of being out in the night, and as the clocks were striking two
I turned down Ashley Street, which, you know, is on my way. It
was quieter than ever there, and the lamps were fewer;
altogether, it looked as dark and gloomy as a forest in winter.
I had done about half the length of the street when I heard a
door closed very softly, and naturally I looked up to see who
was abroad like myself at such an hour. As it happens, there
is a street lamp close to the house in question, and I saw a man
The Great God Pan |
The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce: which had lifted their boat -- all these made audible
music. A fish slid along beneath his eyes and he heard the
rush of its body parting the water.
He had come to the surface facing down the stream; in a
moment the visible world seemed to wheel slowly round,
himself the pivotal point, and he saw the bridge, the fort,
the soldiers upon the bridge, the captain, the sergeant, the
two privates, his executioners. They were in silhouette
against the blue sky. They shouted and gesticulated,
pointing at him. The captain had drawn his pistol, but did
not fire; the others were unarmed. Their movements were
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge |
