The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Koran: And mention, in the Book, Mary; when she retired from her family
into an eastern place; and she took a veil (to screen herself) from
them; and we sent unto her our spirit; and he took for her the
semblance of a well-made man. Said she, 'Verily, I take refuge in
the Merciful One from thee, if thou art pious.' Said he, 'I am only
a messenger of thy Lord to bestow on thee a pure boy.'
Said she, 'How can I have a boy when no man has touched me, and when
I am no harlot?' He said, 'Thus says thy Lord, It is easy for Me!
and we will make him a sign unto man, and a mercy from us; for it is a
decided matter.'
So she conceived him, and she retired with him into a remote
The Koran |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Scenes from a Courtesan's Life by Honore de Balzac: "I am lost! I have just been turned from the door of the Hotel de
Grandlieu under pretence that no one was admitted. The Duke and
Duchess were at home, and five pairs of horses were champing in the
courtyard."
"What! will the marriage not take place?" exclaimed Esther, much
agitated, for she saw a glimpse of Paradise.
"I do not yet know what is being plotted against me----"
"My Lucien," said she in a deliciously coaxing voice, "why be worried
about it? You can make a better match by and by--I will get you the
price of two estates----"
"Give us supper to-night that I may be able to speak in secret to
|