| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from A Book of Remarkable Criminals by H. B. Irving: 1877 Peace invited his daughter and her betrothed to come from
Hull and spend the festive season with him. This, in spite of
the presence of Mrs. Thompson, they consented to do. Peace, in a
top hat and grey ulster, showed them the sights of London,
always inquiring politely of a policeman if he found himself in
any difficulty. At the end of the visit Peace gave his consent
to his daughter's marriage with Mr. Bolsover, and before parting
gave the young couple some excellent advice. For more reasons
than one Peace was anxious to unite under the same roof Mrs.
Peace and Mrs. Thompson. Things still prospering, Peace found
himself able to remove from Lambeth to Crane Court, Greenwich,
A Book of Remarkable Criminals |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: I improved, however, sensibly in this science, but not
sufficiently to follow up any kind of conversation, although I
applied my whole mind to the endeavour, for I easily perceived that,
although I eagerly longed to discover myself to the cottagers,
I ought not to make the attempt until I had first become master
of their language, which knowledge might enable me to make them
overlook the deformity of my figure, for with this also the
contrast perpetually presented to my eyes had made me acquainted.
"I had admired the perfect forms of my cottagers--their grace,
beauty, and delicate complexions; but how was I terrified when I
viewed myself in a transparent pool! At first I started back,
Frankenstein |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Anthem by Ayn Rand: I look behind me for the last time.
I look upon the history of men, which
I have learned from the books, and I wonder.
It was a long story, and the spirit which moved it
was the spirit of man's freedom.
But what is freedom? Freedom from what?
There is nothing to take a man's freedom away
from him, save other men. To be free,
a man must be free of his brothers.
That is freedom. That and nothing else.
At first, man was enslaved by the gods.
Anthem |
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 King Henry VI by William Shakespeare: But wherefore grieve I at an hour's poor loss,
Omitting Suffolk's exile, my soul's treasure?
Why only, Suffolk, mourn I not for thee,
And with the southern clouds contend in tears,
Theirs for the earth's increase, mine for my sorrows?
Now get thee hence.
The king, thou know'st, is coming;
If thou be found by me; thou art but dead.
SUFFOLK.
If I depart from thee, I cannot live;
And in thy sight to die, what were it else
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