| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The $30,000 Bequest and Other Stories by Mark Twain: dark as the forest was, and with joy he very soon reached the little
village or repose, in whose bosom rested the boldest chivalry.
His close attention to every important object--his modest questions
about whatever was new to him--his reverence for wise old age,
and his ardent desire to learn many of the fine arts, soon brought him
into respectable notice.
One mild winter day as he walked along the streets toward the Academy,
which stood upon a small eminence, surrounded by native growth--
some venerable in its appearance, others young and prosperous--
all seemed inviting, and seemed to be the very place for learning as
well as for genius to spend its research beneath its spreading shades.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Maitre Cornelius by Honore de Balzac: "Do not come," she said, "my husband sleeps lightly; my duty is to
wait for the help of Heaven--that will I do!"
She tried to leave the chapel.
"Ah!" cried the young man, "order me to do so and I will kill him. You
will see me to-night."
"I was wise to destroy that drug," she said in a voice that was faint
with the pleasure of finding herself so loved. "The fear of awakening
my husband will save us from ourselves."
"I pledge you my life," said the young man, pressing her hand.
"If the king is willing, the pope can annul my marriage. We will then
be united," she said, giving him a look that was full of delightful
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