| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Underdogs by Mariano Azuela: out their aprons or shawls calculating their capacity. All
give thanks to Divine Providence as they wait for their
share of the booty.
When Demetrio announces that he will not allow loot-
ing and orders them to disband, the mob, disconsolate,
obeys him, and soon scatters; but there is a dull rumor
among the soldiers and no one moves from his place.
Annoyed, Demetrio repeats this order.
A young man, a recent recruit, his head turned by
drink, laughs and walks boldly toward the door. But be-
fore he has reached the threshold, a shot lays him low.
The Underdogs |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Phantasmagoria and Other Poems by Lewis Carroll: And for the deed accept the will!
* * * *
O day of tears! Whence comes this spectre grim,
Parting, like Death's cold river, souls that love?
Is not he bound to thee, as thou to him,
By vows, unwhispered here, yet heard above?
And still it lives, that keen and heavenward flame,
Lives in his eye, and trembles in his tone:
And these wild words of fury but proclaim
A heart that beats for thee, for thee alone!
But all is lost: that mighty mind o'erthrown,
|
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: the first time. And sometimes, late at night, I hear him calling
her and I get out of bed and go to him and tell him she's down at
the quarters with a sick darky. And he fusses because she's always
tiring herself out nursing people. And it's so hard to get him
back to bed. He's like a child. Oh, I wish Dr. Fontaine was here!
I know he could do something for Pa! And Melanie needs a doctor
too. She isn't getting over her baby like she should--"
"Melly--a baby? And she's with you?"
"Yes."
"What's Melly doing with you? Why isn't she in Macon with her aunt
and her kinfolks? I never thought you liked her any too well,
Gone With the Wind |
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 Egmont by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe: Regent. I have sent for him to Antwerp. I will lay upon their shoulders the
burden of responsibility; they shall either strenuously co-operate with me
in quelling the evil, or at once declare themselves rebels. Let the letters be
completed without delay, and bring them for my signature. Then hasten to
despatch the trusty Vasca to Madrid, he is faithful and indefatigable; let
him use all diligence, that he may not be anticipated by common report,
that my brother, may receive the intelligence first through him. I will
myself speak with him ere he departs.
Machiavel. Your orders shall be promptly and punctually obeyed.
Scene III.--Citizen's House
Clara, her Mother, Brackenburg
Egmont |
