| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Jolly Corner by Henry James: irony) that he had clearly for too many years neglected a real
gift. If he had but stayed at home he would have anticipated the
inventor of the sky-scraper. If he had but stayed at home he would
have discovered his genius in time really to start some new variety
of awful architectural hare and run it till it burrowed in a gold
mine. He was to remember these words, while the weeks elapsed, for
the small silver ring they had sounded over the queerest and
deepest of his own lately most disguised and most muffled
vibrations.
It had begun to be present to him after the first fortnight, it had
broken out with the oddest abruptness, this particular wanton
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Bride of Lammermoor by Walter Scott: to preserve in my proposed reformation. The very recollection of
Caleb's beverage has done more to suppress my longing to open the
day with a morning draught than twenty sermons would have done.
And you, master, have you been able to give battle valiantly to
your bosom-snake? You see I am in the way of smothering my
vipers one by one."
"I have commenced the battle, at least, Bucklaw, adn I have had
a fair vision of an angel who descended to my assistance,"
replied the Master.
"Woe's me!" said his guest, "no vision can I expect, unless my
aunt, Lady Grinington, should betake herself to the tomb; and
 The Bride of Lammermoor |