Page:Sologub Sweet Scented Name.djvu/172

 "I love fire—gay and bright it is, and purifying."

And the fourth said:

"I love the air—stretching out so broad and high—the light breath of life."

And this is what life brought to them.

The first became a miner, and while he was at work a shaft fell and buried him in the earth.

And the second shed tears like water, and at length was drowned.

And the third perished by fire in a burning house.

And the fourth was hanged.

Poor innocent elements! Foolish desiring ones!

Oh, why did Will lead them forth from the happy place of non-existence!