| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Dream Life and Real Life by Olive Schreiner: better things in store for me. I don't hate that woman any more; I love
every one! How are you, dear? We shall come and see you as soon as we
arrive in England. I always think of you so happy in your great work and
helping other people. I don't think now it is terrible to be a woman; it
is lovely.
"I hope you are enjoying this beautiful spring weather.
"Yours, always full of gratitude and love,
"E--."
The woman read the letter: then she stood up and walked towards the fire.
She did not re-read it, but stood with it open in her hand, looking down
into the blaze. Her lips were drawn in at the corners. Presently she tore
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Charmides by Plato: temperance is quietness.
Are you right, Charmides? I said. No doubt some would affirm that the
quiet are the temperate; but let us see whether these words have any
meaning; and first tell me whether you would not acknowledge temperance to
be of the class of the noble and good?
Yes.
But which is best when you are at the writing-master's, to write the same
letters quickly or quietly?
Quickly.
And to read quickly or slowly?
Quickly again.
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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 Flower Fables by Louisa May Alcott: Suddenly the music grew louder and sweeter, and the Fairies knelt,
and bowed their heads, as on through the crowd of loving subjects
came the Queen, while the air was filled with gay voices singing
to welcome her.
She placed the child beside her, saying, "Little Eva, you shall see
now how the flowers on your great earth bloom so brightly. A band
of loving little gardeners go daily forth from Fairy-Land, to tend
and watch them, that no harm may befall the gentle spirits that dwell
beneath their leaves. This is never known, for like all good it is
unseen by mortal eyes, and unto only pure hearts like yours do we
make known our secret. The humblest flower that grows is visited by
Flower Fables |
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 Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg by Mark Twain: excused I will take my leave. I thank you for the great favour
which you have shown me in granting my petition. I ask the Chair to
keep the sack for me until to-morrow, and to hand these three five-
hundred-dollar notes to Mr. Richards." They were passed up to the
Chair.
"At nine I will call for the sack, and at eleven will deliver the
rest of the ten thousand to Mr. Richards in person at his home.
Good-night."
Then he slipped out, and left the audience making a vast noise,
which was composed of a mixture of cheers, the "Mikado" song, dog-
disapproval, and the chant, "You are f-a-r from being a b-a-a-d man-
The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg |
