| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin: in the individuals of the same species. When either case occurs, it would
be easy for natural selection to fit the animal, by some modification of
its structure, for its changed habits, or exclusively for one of its
several different habits. But it is difficult to tell, and immaterial for
us, whether habits generally change first and structure afterwards; or
whether slight modifications of structure lead to changed habits; both
probably often change almost simultaneously. Of cases of changed habits it
will suffice merely to allude to that of the many British insects which now
feed on exotic plants, or exclusively on artificial substances. Of
diversified habits innumerable instances could be given: I have often
watched a tyrant flycatcher (Saurophagus sulphuratus) in South America,
On the Origin of Species |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Lucile by Owen Meredith: Of emotions which made her voice shake, murmur'd low
Some faint, troubled greeting. The Duke, with a bow
Which betoken'd a distant defiance, replied
To Lucile's startled cry, as surprised she descried
Her former gay wooer. Anon, with the grace
Of that kindness which seeks to win kindness, her place
She assumed by Matilda, unconscious, perchance,
Or resolved not to notice the half-frighten'd glance,
That follow'd that movement.
The Duke to his feet
Arose; and, in silence, relinquish'd his seat.
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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 The Bickerstaff-Partridge Papers by Jonathan Swift: other rooms. The Doctor must needs die rich, he had great
dealings in his way for many years; if he had no family coat, you
had as good use the escutcheons of the company, they are as
showish, and will look as magnificent as if he was descended from
the blood royal. With that I assumed a great air of authority,
and demanded who employ'd him, or how he came there? Why, I was
sent, sir, by the Company of Undertakers, says he, and they were
employed by the honest gentleman, who is executor to the good
Doctor departed; and our rascally porter, I believe, is fallen
fast asleep with the black cloth and sconces, or he had been
here, and we might have been tacking up by this time. Sir, says
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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 Lair of the White Worm by Bram Stoker: passage bringing dinner.
After dinner, over the walnuts and the wine, Sir Nathaniel returned
to the subject of the local legends.
"It will perhaps be a less dangerous topic for us to discuss than
more recent ones."
"All right, sir," said Adam heartily. "I think you may depend on me
now with regard to any topic. I can even discuss Mr. Caswall.
Indeed, I may meet him to-morrow. He is going, as I said, to call
at Mercy Farm at three o'clock--but I have an appointment at two."
"I notice," said Mr. Salton, "that you do not lose any time."
The two old men once more looked at each other steadily. Then, lest
Lair of the White Worm |
