| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton by Edith Wharton: about him, till I half got to think he was a failure, one of the
kind that are left behind. By Jove, and he WAS left behind--
because he had come to stay! The rest of us had to let ourselves
be swept along or go under, but he was high above the current--on
everlasting foundations, as you say.
"Well, I went off to the house in my most egregious mood--rather
moved, Lord forgive me, at the pathos of poor Stroud's career of
failure being crowned by the glory of my painting him! Of course
I meant to do the picture for nothing--I told Mrs. Stroud so when
she began to stammer something about her poverty. I remember
getting off a prodigious phrase about the honour being MINE--oh,
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Albert Savarus by Honore de Balzac: him, in her dress, and in the various trifles she made use of,
Rodolphe had detected indications of a superior character and a fine
fortune. All these observations now recurred to his mind; he became
thoughtful after having been trampled on, as it were, by Francesca's
dignity. Gina, her half-grown-up /confidante/, also seemed to have a
mocking expression as she gave a covert or a side glance at Rodolphe.
This obvious disagreement between the Italian lady's rank and her
manners was a fresh puzzle to Rodolphe, who suspected some further
trick like Gina's assumed dumbness.
"Where would you go, Signora Lamporani?" he asked.
"Towards Lucerne," replied Francesca in French.
Albert Savarus |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Domestic Peace by Honore de Balzac: lightning, had perhaps a prophetic significance for the Countess. She
dreaded lest she here saw an image of the revenges the future might
have in store for her. Her heart was not yet so dried up that the
feeling and generosity were entirely excluded, and she pressed the
Duchess' hand, while thanking her by one of those smiles which have a
certain childlike grace.
"My dear child," the old lady said in her ear, "remember henceforth
that we are just as capable of repelling a man's attentions as of
attracting them."
"She is yours if you are not a simpleton." These words were whispered
into Colonel Montcornet's ear by Madame de Lansac, while the handsome
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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 Koran: not give to men a jot.
Do they envy man for what God has given of His grace? We have
given to Abraham's people the Book and wisdom, and we have given
them a mighty kingdom. And of them are some who believe therein, and
of them are some who turn from it, but Hell is flaming enough for
them.
Verily, those who disbelieve in our signs, we will broil them with
fire; whenever their skins are well done, then we will change them for
other skins, that they may taste the torment. Verily, God is
glorious and wise.
But those who believe and do aright, we will make them enter gardens
The Koran |
