| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Hellenica by Xenophon: the men of Piraeus, what sort of terms they should propose to himself
and the ephors in attendance. To this advice they listened. He also
fostered a division in the party within the city. A deputation, acting
on his orders, sought an audience of him and the ephors. It had all
the appearance of a mass meeting. In approaching the Spartan
authorities, they had no desire or occasion, they stated, to look upon
the men of Piraeus as enemies, they would prefer a general
reconciliation and the friendship of both sides with Lacedaemon. The
propositions were favourably received, and by no less a person than
Nauclidas. He was present as ephor, in accordance with the custom
which obliges two members of that board to serve on all military
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from A Horse's Tale by Mark Twain: are off duty come and get her sentries to let them relieve them and
serve in their place. It's only out of affection, sir, and because
they know military honors please her, and please the children too,
for her sake; and they don't bring their muskets; and so - "
"I've noticed them there, but didn't twig the idea. They are
standing guard, are they?"
"Yes, sir, and she is afraid you will reprove them and hurt their
feelings, if you see them there; so she begs, if - if you don't
mind coming in the back way - "
"Bear me up, Dorcas; don't let me faint."
"There - sit up and behave, Marse Tom. You are not going to faint;
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