| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from O Pioneers! by Willa Cather: Emil drew nearer. "Would you tell me some-
thing that's none of my business if you thought
it would help me out? Well, then, tell me, PLEASE
tell me, why you ran away with Frank Sha-
bata!"
Marie drew back. "Because I was in love
with him," she said firmly.
"Really?" he asked incredulously.
O Pioneers! |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Moral Emblems by Robert Louis Stevenson: Alack, unwise! that nasal song
Shall be the Ounce's dinner-gong!
A blemish in the cut appears;
Alas! it cost both blood and tears.
The glancing graver swerved aside,
Fast flowed the artist's vital tide!
And now the apologetic bard
Demands indulgence for his pard!
Poem: VI - THE ANGLER AND THE CLOWN
The echoing bridge you here may see,
The pouring lynn, the waving tree,
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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 She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith: MARLOW. Sure you cannot be serious? At this time o' night, and such a
night? You only mean to banter me.
HARDCASTLE. I tell you, sir, I'm serious! and now that my passions are
roused, I say this house is mine, sir; this house is mine, and I
command you to leave it directly.
MARLOW. Ha! ha! ha! A puddle in a storm. I shan't stir a step, I
assure you. (In a serious tone.) This your house, fellow! It's my
house. This is my house. Mine, while I choose to stay. What right
have you to bid me leave this house, sir? I never met with such
impudence, curse me; never in my whole life before.
HARDCASTLE. Nor I, confound me if ever I did. To come to my house, to
She Stoops to Conquer |
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 A Legend of Montrose by Walter Scott: burning bullets full of fire, shot out of cannon, according to
the curious invention of Stephen Bathian, King of Poland, whereby
that prince utterly ruined the great Muscovite city of Moscow.
This invention, Captain Dalgetty owned, he had not yet witnessed,
but observed, "that it would give him particular delectation to
witness the same put to the proof against Ardenvohr, or any other
castle of similar strength;" observing, "that so curious an
experiment could not but afford the greatest delight to all
admirers of the military art."
Sir Duncan Campbell diverted this conversation by carrying the
soldier into his stables, and suffering him to arrange Gustavus
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