| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Essays of Francis Bacon by Francis Bacon: were born; as the poets speak of Saturn. And as the
contumely is greater towards God, so the danger is
greater towards men. Atheism leaves a man to
sense, to philosophy, to natural piety, to laws, to
reputation; all which may be guides to an outward
moral virtue, though religion were not; but super-
stition dismounts all these, and erecteth an abso-
lute monarchy, in the minds of men. Therefore
theism did never perturb states; for it makes men
wary of themselves, as looking no further: and we
see the times inclined to atheism (as the time of
Essays of Francis Bacon |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Beauty and The Beast by Bayard Taylor: Jonathan, "How can we?" Then they both thought, "It may be a long
while yet." Here was a present comfort, and each seemed to hold it
firmly in holding the hand of the other, as they fell asleep side
by side.
The trial was nearer than they imagined. Their father died before
the winter was over; the farm and other property was theirs, and
they might have allowed life to solve its mysteries as it rolled
onwards, but for their promise to the dead. This must be
fulfilled, and then--one thing was certain; they would never again
separate.
"The sooner the better," said David. "It shall be the visit to our
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