| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Hiero by Xenophon: competition[19]--I mean agriculture--itself would make enormous
strides, if some one were to offer prizes in the same way, "by farms
and villages," to those who should perform the works of tillage in the
fairest fashion. Whilst to those members of the state who should
devote themselves with might and main to this pursuit, a thousand
blessings would be the result. The revenues would be increased; and
self-restraint be found far more than now, in close attendance on
industrious habits.[20] Nay further, crimes and villainies take root
and spring less freely among busy workers.
[19] Al. "and what will be the most repaying . . . being a department
of things least wont," etc.
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Hamlet by William Shakespeare: The tedious day with sleepe
Qu. Sleepe rocke thy Braine,
Sleepes
And neuer come mischance betweene vs twaine.
Exit
Ham. Madam, how like you this Play?
Qu. The Lady protests to much me thinkes
Ham. Oh but shee'l keepe her word
King. Haue you heard the Argument, is there no Offence
in't?
Ham. No, no, they do but iest, poyson in iest, no Offence
Hamlet |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Marie by H. Rider Haggard: rode from the Mission Station, had stayed my hand. He called upon the
said Hans and Marie herself to tell them the story, since I was too weak
to do so.
Thus adjured, the little Hottentot, smothered as he was in blood, stood
up. In the simple, dramatic style characteristic of his race, he
narrated all that had happened since he met the woman on the veld but
little over twelve hours before, till the arrival of the rescue party.
Never have I seen a tale followed with deeper interest, and when at last
Hans pointed to me lying on the ground and said, "There is he who did
these things which it might be thought no man could do--he, but a boy,"
even from those phlegmatic Dutchmen there came a general cheer. But,
Marie |
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 Chance by Joseph Conrad: but a thief," she cried, "this father of yours. As to you I have
never been deceived in you for a moment. I have been growing more
and more sick of you for years. You are a vulgar, silly nonentity,
and you shall go back to where you belong, whatever low place you
have sprung from, and beg your bread--that is if anybody's charity
will have anything to do with you, which I doubt--"
She would have gone on regardless of the enormous eyes, of the open
mouth of the girl who sat up suddenly with the wild staring
expression of being choked by invisible fingers on her throat, and
yet horribly pale. The effect on her constitution was so profound,
Mrs. Fyne told me, that she who as a child had a rather pretty
Chance |
