| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne: From Yokohama to San Francisco, by steamer ......... 22 "
From San Francisco to New York, by rail ............. 7 "
From New York to London, by steamer and rail ........ 9 "
----
Total ............................................ 80 days."
"Yes, in eighty days!" exclaimed Stuart, who in his excitement
made a false deal. "But that doesn't take into account bad weather,
contrary winds, shipwrecks, railway accidents, and so on."
"All included," returned Phileas Fogg, continuing to play
despite the discussion.
"But suppose the Hindoos or Indians pull up the rails,"
Around the World in 80 Days |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Prince Otto by Robert Louis Stevenson: for these disorders. He has his young wife and his principality,
and he has sworn to cherish both.'
'Sworn at the altar!' echoed Fritz. 'But put your faith in
princes!'
'Well, sir, he leaves them both to an adventurer from East Prussia,'
pursued the farmer: 'leaves the girl to be seduced and to go on from
bad to worse, till her name's become a tap-room by-word, and she not
yet twenty; leaves the country to be overtaxed, and bullied with
armaments, and jockied into war - '
'War!' cried Otto.
'So they say, sir; those that watch their ongoings, say to war,'
|
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Illustrious Gaudissart by Honore de Balzac: "He has got the better of the Parisian, damn him!" cried Vernier.
And so it was. To the huge delight of the lunatic our illustrious
Gaudissart sat down at a card-table and wrote an order for the
delivery of the two casks of wine. Margaritis, having carefully read
it over, counted out seven francs for his subscription to the
"Children's Journal" and gave them to the traveller.
"Adieu until to-morrow, Monsieur," said Gaudissart, twisting his
watch-key. "I shall have the honor to call for you to-morrow.
Meantime, send the wine at once to Paris to the address I have given
you, and the price will be remitted immediately."
Gaudissart, however, was a Norman, and he had no idea of making any
|
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: tarried there a little while.
They had covenanted with God before, that they would not turn
their backs; and God's covenant shall be enquired of.
Say, 'Flight shall avail you naught; if ye fly from death or
slaughter, even then ye shall be granted enjoyment only for a little!'
Say, 'Who is it that can save you from God, if He wish you evil,
or wish you mercy?' but they will not find beside God a patron or a
helper.
Say, 'God knows the hinderers amongst you, and those who say to
their brethren, "Come along unto us," and show but little
valour;-covetous towards you.' When fear comes thou wilt see them
The Koran |
