| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Master Key by L. Frank Baum: foolish actions too harshly."
"That is kind of you," said Rob.
"To prove my friendliness," pursued the Demon, "I have brought, as the
first of to-day's offerings this Electro-Magnetic Restorer. You see
it is shaped like a thin metal band, and is to be worn upon the
brow, clasping at the back of the head. Its virtues surpass those of
either the fabulous 'Fountain of Youth,' or the 'Elixir of Life,' so
vainly sought for in past ages. For its wearer will instantly become
free from any bodily disease or pain and will enjoy perfect health and
vigor. In truth, so great are its powers that even the dead may be
restored to life, provided the blood has not yet chilled.
The Master Key |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Foolish Virgin by Thomas Dixon: blacksmith's shop down on South Street and learned to
handle tools. I was quick and smart, and the old man
liked me and let me sleep in the shop. I had enough to
eat then and got strong as an ox. I went to the night
schools and learned to read and write. I don't know
anything, but I'm quick and you can teach me--you will,
won't you?"
"I'll try," was the low answer.
"You do like me, Kiddo? Say it again!"
She rose to her feet and looked out over the sea,
her face scarlet.
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Bucolics by Virgil: Had sat him down; Thyrsis and Corydon
Had gathered in the flock, Thyrsis the sheep,
And Corydon the she-goats swollen with milk-
Both in the flower of age, Arcadians both,
Ready to sing, and in like strain reply.
Hither had strayed, while from the frost I fend
My tender myrtles, the he-goat himself,
Lord of the flock; when Daphnis I espy!
Soon as he saw me, "Hither haste," he cried,
"O Meliboeus! goat and kids are safe;
And, if you have an idle hour to spare,
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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 Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy: silently, except for a few commonplaces, till they had gone
down an avenue on the town walls called the Chalk Walk,
leading to an angle where the North and West escarpments
met. From this high corner of the square earthworks a vast
extent of country could be seen. A footpath ran steeply
down the green slope, conducting from the shady promenade on
the walls to a road at the bottom of the scarp. It was by
this path the Scotchman had to descend.
"Well, here's success to 'ee," said Henchard, holding out
his right hand and leaning with his left upon the wicket
which protected the descent. In the act there was the
The Mayor of Casterbridge |
