| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Complete Angler by Izaak Walton: upon the face, and within the bowels of, the Earth. How doth the Earth
bring forth herbs, flowers, and fruits, both for physick and the pleasure
of mankind! and above all, to me at least, the fruitful vine, of which
when I drink moderately, it clears my brain, cheers my heart, and
sharpens my wit. How could Cleopatra have feasted Mark Antony with
eight wild Boars roasted whole at one supper, and other meat suitable,
if the earth had not been a bountiful mother ? But to pass by the mighty
Elephant, which the Earth breeds and nourisheth, and descend to the
least of creatures, how doth the earth afford us a doctrinal example in
the little Pismire, who in the summer provides and lays up her winter
provision, and teaches man to do the like! The earth feeds and carries
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Mother by Owen Wister: "'What is your opinion of Petunia Water sixes?' he inquired."
"'They are a lead-pipe cinch,' I immediately answered; and he slapped me
on the knee."
"'That's what I think!' he cried. 'Anyhow, I have taken 20,000 for
mother. Do what you like.'"
"'Oh well,' said I, delighted at this confidence, I think I can afford to
risk what you are willing to risk for your mother, Mrs. Beverly. Where is
Petunia, did you say?'"
"He pulled down a roller map on the wall as you draw down a window-blind,
and again I listened to statements that churned in my brain. Petunia was
a new resort on the sea coast of New Hampshire. One railway system did
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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 Eryxias by Platonic Imitator: are there not, who teach music and grammar and other arts for pay, and thus
procure those things of which they stand in need?
ERYXIAS: There are.
SOCRATES: And these men by the arts which they profess, and in exchange
for them, obtain the necessities of life just as we do by means of gold and
silver?
ERYXIAS: True.
SOCRATES: Then if they procure by this means what they want for the
purposes of life, that art will be useful towards life? For do we not say
that silver is useful because it enables us to supply our bodily needs?
ERYXIAS: We do.
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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 Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories by Alice Dunbar: audience. Annette, with papa, Aunt Nina, and Philip, was late
reaching her box. The curtain was up, and "La Juive" was pouring
forth defiance at her angry persecutors. Annette listened
breathlessly. In fancy, she too was ringing her voice out to an
applauding house. Her head unconsciously beat time to the music,
and one hand half held her cloak from her bare shoulders.
Then Eleazar appeared, and the house rose at the end of his song.
Encores it gave, and bravos and cheers. He bowed calmly, swept
his eyes over the tiers until they found Annette, where they
rested in a half-smile of recognition.
"Philip," gasped Annette, nervously raising her glasses, "my
The Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories |
