| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Kwaidan by Lafcadio Hearn: And the ghost of him went into the tree, and made it blossom in that same
hour.
And every year it still blooms on the sixteenth day of the first month, in
the season of snow.
THE DREAM OF AKINOSUKE
In the district called Toichi of Yamato Province, (1) there used to live a
goshi named Miyata Akinosuke... [Here I must tell you that in Japanese
feudal times there was a privileged class of soldier-farmers,--
free-holders,-- corresponding to the class of yeomen in England; and these
were called goshi.]
In Akinosuke's garden there was a great and ancient cedar-tree, under
Kwaidan |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Domestic Peace by Honore de Balzac: sash tied close under the bosom, in imitation of Greek statues, a
pitiless fashion for those whose bust was faulty. As he cast furtive
glances at the Countess' figure, Martial was enchanted with its
perfection.
"You have not danced once this evening, madame," said he in soft and
flattering tones. "Not, I should suppose, for lack of a partner?"
"I never go to parties; I am quite unknown," replied Madame de
Soulanges coldly, not having understood the look by which her aunt had
just conveyed to her that she was to attract the Baron.
Martial, to give himself countenance, twisted the diamond he wore on
his left hand; the rainbow fires of the gem seemed to flash a sudden
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