| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Kenilworth by Walter Scott: many years, had run up into great bushes, or rather dwarf-trees,
and now encroached, with their dark and melancholy boughs, upon
the road which they once had screened. The avenue itself was
grown up with grass, and, in one or two places, interrupted by
piles of withered brushwood, which had been lopped from the trees
cut down in the neighbouring park, and was here stacked for
drying. Formal walks and avenues, which, at different points,
crossed this principal approach, were, in like manner, choked up
and interrupted by piles of brushwood and billets, and in other
places by underwood and brambles. Besides the general effect of
desolation which is so strongly impressed whenever we behold the
Kenilworth |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Merry Men by Robert Louis Stevenson: ton's weight of resolve upon his muscles, and drew back the door.
The faint, foggy daylight glimmered dimly on the bare floor and
stairs; on the bright suit of armour posted, halbert in hand, upon
the landing; and on the dark wood-carvings, and framed pictures
that hung against the yellow panels of the wainscot. So loud was
the beating of the rain through all the house that, in Markheim's
ears, it began to be distinguished into many different sounds.
Footsteps and sighs, the tread of regiments marching in the
distance, the chink of money in the counting, and the creaking of
doors held stealthily ajar, appeared to mingle with the patter of
the drops upon the cupola and the gushing of the water in the
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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 Cromwell by William Shakespeare: read them, but also to look on us; and not altogether to look on us,
[One stands at one end, and one at tother.]
But to relieve us. O cold, cold, cold.
[Enter Friskiball, the Merchant, and reads the bills.]
FRISKIBALL.
What's here? two Englishmen robbed by the Bandetti!
One of them seems to be a gentleman.
Tis pity that his fortune was so hard,
To fall into the desperate hands of thieves.
I'll question him of what estate he is.
God save you, sir; are you an Englishman?
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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 Koran: worlds; it is not right for me to speak against God aught but the
truth. I have come to you with a manifest sign from my Lord; send then
the children of Israel with me.' Said he, 'If thou hast come with a
sign, then bring it, if thou art of those who speak the truth.' Then
he threw his rod down, and lo! it was an obvious snake; and he drew
out his hand, and lo! it was white to the beholders. Said the chiefs
of Pharaoh's people, 'Verily, this is surely a knowing magician; he
desires to turn you out of your land;- What is it then ye bid? They
said, 'Give him and his brother some hope; and send into the cities to
collect and bring you every knowing magician.' And the magician came
to Pharaoh and said, 'Is there indeed a reward for us if we are
The Koran |
