| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Gambara by Honore de Balzac: spoke at last of reading the papers. Andrea could not help quaking at
his unexpectedly rapid success; but though his distress made him aware
of the strength of his passion, it did not make him waver in his
virtuous resolve.
One day he called to note the progress of this singular cure. Though
the state of the patient at first gave him satisfaction, his joy was
dashed by Marianna's beauty, for an easy life had restored its
brilliancy. He called now every evening to enjoy calm and serious
conversation, to which he contributed lucid and well considered
arguments controverting Gambara's singular theories. He took advantage
of the remarkable acumen of the composer's mind as to every point not
Gambara |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Padre Ignacio by Owen Wister: proper sphere. You will understand, sir, that I am far from venturing to
make any personal comment. I am only thinking what a world of difference
lies between natures that can feel as alike as we do upon so many
subjects. Why, not since leaving New Orleans have I met any one with whom
I could talk, except of the weather and the brute interests common to us
all. That such a one as you should be here is like a dream."
"But it is not a dream," said the Padre.
"And, sir--pardon me if I do say this--are you not wasted at Santa
Ysabel del Mar? I have seen the priests at the other missions. They are--
the sort of good men that I expected. But are you needed to save such
souls as these?"
"There is no aristocracy of souls," said the Padre, again whispering.
|
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock: but valour--why who ever heard----?"
"She is the all in all," said brother Michael, "gentle as a ring-dove,
yet high-soaring as a falcon: humble below her deserving,
yet deserving beyond the estimate of panegyric: an exact economist
in all superfluity, yet a most bountiful dispenser in all liberality:
the chief regulator of her household, the fairest pillar of
her hall, and the sweetest blossom of her bower: having, in all
opposite proposings, sense to understand, judgment to weigh,
discretion to choose, firmness to undertake, diligence to conduct,
perseverance to accomplish, and resolution to maintain.
For obedience to her husband, that is not to be tried till she has one:
|
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 The Wrecker by Stevenson & Osbourne: own eyes, he seems the one serious creature moving in a world
of horrible unreality; voluble people issuing from a cafe, the
queue at theatre doors, Sunday cabfuls of second-rate pleasure-
seekers, the bedizened ladies of the pavement, the show in the
jewellers' windows--all the familiar sights contributing to flout
his own unhappiness, want, and isolation. At the same time, if
he be at all after my pattern, he is perhaps supported by a
childish satisfaction: this is life at last, he may tell himself, this
is the real thing; the bladders on which I was set swimming are
now empty, my own weight depends upon the ocean; by my
own exertions I must perish or succeed; and I am now enduring
|
