| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Market-Place by Harold Frederic: it might happen, later on, that I might like to have
a gentle hint dropped to her, d'ye see, as to where it
really came from. Mind, I don't say this is what is going
to be done. It merely occurred to me."
After waiting for a moment for some comment, he added
a second thought: "You'd have to set about making friends
with her, you know. In any case, you'd better begin
at that at once."
The General remained buried in reflection. He lighted
a cigarette, and poured out for himself still another
petit verre. His pursed lips and knitted brows were
The Market-Place |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Catherine de Medici by Honore de Balzac: came running in.
"Mademoiselle du Rouet, send for the captain of the guard," said Mary
Stuart to the maid of honor, contrary to all etiquette, which was
necessarily violated under the circumstances.
While the young queen gave this order, Catherine looked intently at
Christophe, as if saying to him, "Courage!"
The Reformer understood, and replied by another glance, which seemed
to say, "Sacrifice me, as /they/ have sacrificed me!"
"Rely on me," said Catherine by a gesture. Then she absorbed herself
in the documents as her daughter-in-law turned to him.
"You belong to the Reformed religion?" inquired Mary Stuart of
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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 Euthyphro by Plato: is, whether dear to the gods or not (for that is a matter about which we
will not quarrel); and what is impiety?
EUTHYPHRO: I really do not know, Socrates, how to express what I mean.
For somehow or other our arguments, on whatever ground we rest them, seem
to turn round and walk away from us.
SOCRATES: Your words, Euthyphro, are like the handiwork of my ancestor
Daedalus; and if I were the sayer or propounder of them, you might say that
my arguments walk away and will not remain fixed where they are placed
because I am a descendant of his. But now, since these notions are your
own, you must find some other gibe, for they certainly, as you yourself
allow, show an inclination to be on the move.
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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 Rescue by Joseph Conrad: "Tell Wasub to open one of the long-cloth bales in the hold, Mr.
Carter, and give the crew a cotton sheet to bury him decently
according to their faith. Let it be done to-night. They must have
the boats, too. I suppose they will want to take him on the
sandbank."
"Yes, sir," said Carter.
"Let them have what they want, spades, torches. . . . Wasub
will chant the right words. Paradise is the lot of all True
Believers. Do you understand me, Mr. Carter? Paradise! I wonder
what it will be for him! Unless he gets messages to carry through
the jungle, avoiding ambushes, swimming in storms and knowing no
The Rescue |
