| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Myths and Myth-Makers by John Fiske: the same unapproachable degree of excellence, could have been
produced by two different authors. And the physiologist--with
some inward misgivings suggested by Mr. Galton's theory that
the Greeks surpassed us in genius even as we surpass the
negroes--has a right to ask whether it is in the natural
course of things for two such wonderful poets, strangely
agreeing in their minutest psychological characteristics, to
be produced at the same time. And the difficulty thus raised
becomes overwhelming when we reflect that it is the
coexistence of not two only, but at least twenty such geniuses
which the Wolfian hypothesis requires us to account for. That
Myths and Myth-Makers |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Mistress Wilding by Rafael Sabatini: "It might be well, an it please Your Grace," said he, "to waive the
point, and let us come to those matters which are of greater moment.
Let him tell Your Grace how he came by the letter."
"Aye," said Albemarle. "We do but waste time. Tell us, then, how came
the letter into your hands?"
"With Sir Rowland, here, I robbed the courier as he was riding from
Taunton to Bridgwater."
Albemarle laughed, and Sir Edward smiled. "You robbed him, eh?" said
His Grace. "Very well. But how did it happen that you knew he had
the letter upon him, or was it that you were playing the hightobymen,
and that in robbing him you hoped to find other matters?"
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