| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Dracula by Bram Stoker: coasting steamers, which usually hug the shore so closely,
kept well to seaward,and but few fishing boats were in sight.
The only sail noticeable was a foreign schooner with
all sails set, which was seemingly going westwards.
The foolhardiness or ignorance of her officers was a prolific
theme for comment whilst she remained in sight, and efforts were
made to signal her to reduce sail in the face of her danger.
Before the night shut down she was seen with sails idly flapping
as she gently rolled on the undulating swell of the sea.
"As idle as a painted ship upon a painted ocean."
Shortly before ten o'clock the stillness of the air grew quite
Dracula |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Bickerstaff-Partridge Papers by Jonathan Swift: letter, either to a lord or commoner, shall as legally entitle
him to the present possession of Tyburn, as if he robb'd on the
highway, or cut your throat in bed.
I shall demonstrate to the judicious, that France and Rome are at
the bottom of this horrid conspiracy against me; and that culprit
aforesaid is a popish emissary, has paid his visits to St.
Germains, and is now in the measures of Lewis XIV. That in
attempting my reputation, there is a general massacre of learning
designed in these realms; and through my sides there is a wound
given to all the Protestant almanack-makers in the universe.
Vivat Regina.
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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 A Sentimental Journey by Laurence Sterne: A man who values a good night's rest will not lie down with enmity
in his heart, if he can help it. - So I bid La Fleur tell the
master of the hotel, that I was sorry on my side for the occasion I
had given him; - and you may tell him, if you will, La Fleur, added
I, that if the young woman should call again, I shall not see her.
This was a sacrifice not to him, but myself, having resolved, after
so narrow an escape, to run no more risks, but to leave Paris, if
it was possible, with all the virtue I enter'd it.
C'EST DEROGER E NOBLESSE, MONSIEUR, said La Fleur, making me a bow
down to the ground as he said it. - ET ENCORE, MONSIEUR, said he,
may change his sentiments; - and if (PAR HAZARD) he should like to
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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 Merry Men by Robert Louis Stevenson: 'Then you might be better if you had less,' said the boy.
'Certainly not,' replied the Doctor; but his voice quavered as he
spoke.
'Why?' demanded pitiless innocence.
Doctor Desprez saw all the colours of the rainbow in a moment; the
stable universe appeared to be about capsizing with him.
'Because,' said he - affecting deliberation after an obvious pause
- 'because I have formed my life for my present income. It is not
good for men of my years to be violently dissevered from their
habits.'
That was a sharp brush. The Doctor breathed hard, and fell into
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