sculptor has given this group a second title, "The Awakening of the War
Spirit," which is equally applicable.

The East panel is entitled The Lesson of Life. A young man and a young
woman turn to each other through natural impulse, while an older woman
with the experience of life attempts to counsel them. On the other side
an old man restrains an impetuous youth who evidently would fight for
the girl.

Turning the corner now to the South panel again, there are two figures
representing Lust trying to embrace a reluctant woman. Then one comes to
Vanity once more, and the story of life on earth is done. Again there is
a gap, and the scene leaves the earth for the unknown world after
physical death.

The East face of the minor group first shows the figure of Greed, with
his worldly goods now turned literally to a ball of clay in his hands,
gazing back at earth in puzzlement. The next two figures show Faith
offering the hope of immortality (as symbolized in the scarab) as
consolation to a sorrowing woman. Finally there are two figures sinking
back into Oblivion, drawn by the hand of Destiny. Thus the cycle from
Oblivion through life and back to Oblivion is completed.

In the same basin, at the far south end, is a figure of The Setting Sun.
This was part of the artist's conception of the Fountain of Earth, the
relation to the main group being found in the supposition that the earth
is a mass thrown off by the sun. Thus is emphasized the idea that the
earth and life on earth are but a very small part of the wider unknown
universe and life.