| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Unseen World and Other Essays by John Fiske: for his new position. He visited the four cities which may be
considered the artistic centres of Italy,--Rome, Naples,
Florence, and Venice,--and a large part of his account of his
journey is taken up with descriptions and criticisms of pictures,
statues, and buildings.
This is a department of criticism which, we may as well frankly
acknowledge, is far better appreciated on the continent of Europe
than in England or America. Over the English race there passed,
about two centuries ago, a deluge of Puritanism, which for a time
almost drowned out its artistic tastes and propensities. The
Puritan movement, in proportion to its success, was nearly as
The Unseen World and Other Essays |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from House of Mirth by Edith Wharton: enthusiastically. "Do you know, Lily, the more I think of my idea
the better I like it--quite as much for you as for myself. The
Gormers have both taken a tremendous fancy to you, and the trip
to Alaska is--well--the very thing I should want for you just at
present."
Miss Bart lifted her eyes with a keen glance. "To take me out of
my friends' way, you mean?" she said quietly; and Mrs. Fisher
responded with a deprecating kiss: "To keep you out of their
sight till they realize how much they miss you."
Miss Bart went with the Gormers to Alaska; and the expedition, if
it did not produce the effect anticipated by her friend, had at
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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 Riverman by Stewart Edward White: "What in hell's the matter here?" he yelled, as soon as he came
within hearing distance.
Orde made no reply, but stood contemplating the newcomer with a
flicker of amusement.
"What in hell's the matter?" repeated the latter violently.
"Better go there and inquire," rejoined Orde drolly. "What ails
you, Johnson?"
"We're right at your rear," cried the other, " and you ain't even
made a start gettin' through this dam! We'll lose the water next!
Why in hell ain't you through and gone?"
"Keep your shirt on," advised Orde. "We're getting through as fast
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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 Muse of the Department by Honore de Balzac: "It was in a splayed recess under the deep cornice that ran round the
top of the tower, between the brackets that supported the embrasures.
" 'Monsieur,' said the man, 'you must take care to saw through the
iron low enough to get your body through.'
" 'I will get through, never fear,' said the prisoner.
" 'But high enough to leave a stanchion to fasten a cord to,' the
warder went on.
" 'And where is the cord?' asked Beauvoir.
" 'Here,' said the man, throwing down a knotted rope. 'It is made of
raveled linen, that you may be supposed to have contrived it yourself,
and it is long enough. When you have got to the bottom knot, let
The Muse of the Department |
