| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Father Sergius by Leo Tolstoy: and however unimportant it was, devoted himself completely to it
and lived for it until it was accomplished. And as soon as it
was attained another aim would immediately present itself,
replacing its predecessor. This passion for distinguishing
himself, or for accomplishing something in order to distinguish
himself, filled his life. On taking up his commission he set
himself to acquire the utmost perfection in knowledge of the
service, and very soon became a model officer, though still with
the same fault of ungovernable irascibility, which here in the
service again led him to commit actions inimical to his success.
Then he took to reading, having once in conversation in society
|
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 The Forged Coupon by Leo Tolstoy: pierces the heart, summoning each man to the in-
quisition of his own conscience, and to justify his
existence by labour, that he may thereafter sleep
the sleep of peace.
The exaltation which he awakens owes nothing
to rhythmical language nor to subtle interpreta-
tions of sensuous emotion; it proceeds from a per-
ception of eternal truth, the truth that has love,
faith, courage, and self-sacrifice for the corner-
stones of its enduring edifice
NOTE--Owing to circumstances entirely outside the control of
The Forged Coupon |
