| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Shadow out of Time by H. P. Lovecraft: since the whole matter would have lent itself unpleasantly to
sensational and jocose treatment by the cheaper newspapers. As
a result, printed reports were sparing; but enough appeared to
tell of our quest for reported Australian ruins and to chronicle
our various preparatory steps.
Professor William Dyer of the
college's geology department - leader of the Miskatonic Antarctic
Expedition Of 1930-31 - Ferdinand C. Ashley of the department
of ancient history, and Tyler M. Freeborn of the department of
anthropology - together with my son Wingate - accompanied me.
My correspondent, Mackenzie, came to Arkham early in 1935 and
Shadow out of Time |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Copy-Cat & Other Stories by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman: and I've got more courage to work now than I had
when I was young. I had to go away and get rested,
but I've got rested for all my life. We shall get
along all right as long as we live."
"Ellen and the minister are going to get married
come Christmas," said Myrtle.
"She is lucky. He is a man that can see with the
eyes of other people," said Christopher.
It was after the hay had been unloaded and Chris-
topher had been shown the garden full of lusty
vegetables, and told of the great crop with no draw-
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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 Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: in this, that, it being done in your absence, you could not be
charged with that part of the crime; but, I beseech you, flatter
not yourself that you are not, therefore, under an obligation to do
your utmost now to put an end to it. You should legally and
effectually marry them; and as, sir, my way of marrying may not be
easy to reconcile them to, though it will be effectual, even by
your own laws, so your way may be as well before God, and as valid
among men. I mean by a written contract signed by both man and
woman, and by all the witnesses present, which all the laws of
Europe would decree to be valid."
I was amazed to see so much true piety, and so much sincerity of
Robinson Crusoe |
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 Tono Bungay by H. G. Wells: fist as if to hit his inkpot, and controlled himself with
difficulty. He spoke at last in a reasonable voice. "If I did,"
he said, "he'd kick up a fuss. It's no good, even if I wanted
to. Everybody's watching the place. If I was to stop building
we'd be down in a week."
He had an idea. "I wish I could do something to start a strike
or something. No such luck. Treat those workmen a sight too
well. No, sink or swim, Crest Hill goes on until we're under
water."
I began to ask questions and irritated him instantly.
"Oh, dash these explanations, George!" he cried; "You only make
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