| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Herodias by Gustave Flaubert: the Pharisees, who refused to wear the wreaths, regarding them as a
symbol of Roman voluptuousness and vice. They shuddered when the
attendants sprinkled them with galburnum and incense, the use of which
the Pharisees reserved strictly for services in the Temple.
Antipas observed that Aulus rubbed himself under the arms, as if
annoyed by heat or chafing; and promised to give him three flasks of
the same kind of precious balm that had been used by Cleopatra.
A captain from the garrison of Tiberias who had just arrived, placed
himself behind the tetrarch as protection in case any unexpected
trouble should arise. But his attention was divided between observing
the movements of the proconsul and listening to the conversation of
Herodias |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Lamentable Tragedy of Locrine and Mucedorus by William Shakespeare: AMADINE.
I will disguised wander through the world,
Till I have found him out.
MUCEDORUS.
How if you find your shepherd in these woods?
AMADINE.
Ah, none so happy then as Amadine.
[He discloseth himself.]
MUCEDORUS.
In tract of time a man may alter much;
Say, Lady, do you know your shepherd well?
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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 Black Beauty by Anna Sewell: "That part of it," said he, "was dreadful! Of course we could not walk
off the land into the ship; so they were obliged to put strong straps
under our bodies, and then we were lifted off our legs
in spite of our struggles, and were swung through the air over the water,
to the deck of the great vessel. There we were placed in small close stalls,
and never for a long time saw the sky, or were able to stretch our legs.
The ship sometimes rolled about in high winds, and we were knocked about,
and felt bad enough.
"However, at last it came to an end, and we were hauled up,
and swung over again to the land; we were very glad, and snorted and neighed
for joy, when we once more felt firm ground under our feet.
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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 Large Catechism by Dr. Martin Luther: insolent, and no one dare call you a thief.
The same I say also of mechanics, workmen, and day-laborers, who all
follow their wanton notions, and never know enough ways to overcharge
people, while they are lazy and unfaithful in their work. All these are
far worse than sneak-thieves, against whom we can guard with locks and
bolts, or who, if apprehended, are treated in such a manner that they
will not do the same again. But against these no one can guard, no one
dare even look awry at them or accuse them of theft, so that one would
ten times rather lose from his purse. For here are my neighbors, good
friends, my own servants, from whom I expect good [every faithful and
diligent service], who defraud me first of all.
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