| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Forged Coupon by Leo Tolstoy: the coupon in his fat hand.
"Your money is no good," he said, showing the
coupon, but apparently determined not to give it
back.
"The coupon must be all right. I got it from
a gentleman."
"It is bad, I tell you. The coupon is forged."
"Forged? Give it back to me."
"I will not. You fellows have got to be pun-
ished for such tricks. Of course, you did it your-
self--you and some of your rascally friends."
The Forged Coupon |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas: banker's domestic life.
"Yes, my lord," replied the servant, "M. Debray is with
madame." Danglars nodded his head; then, turning to Monte
Cristo, said, "M. Lucien Debray is an old friend of ours,
and private secretary to the Minister of the Interior. As
for my wife, I must tell you, she lowered herself by
marrying me, for she belongs to one of the most ancient
families in France. Her maiden name was De Servieres, and
her first husband was Colonel the Marquis of Nargonne."
"I have not the honor of knowing Madame Danglars; but I have
already met M. Lucien Debray."
The Count of Monte Cristo |
