| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Riverman by Stewart Edward White: step in for its redemption, even if he personally found himself
unable to meet the obligation. Three hundred million feet would
seem to be too important a matter to let go under so small a
mortgage. Now as the time approached, he realised that if he could
not pay the notes, the firm would certainly be unable to do so.
What with the second mortgage, due two years later, and to be met by
Newmark; with the outstanding obligations; with the new enterprise
of the vessels ordered from Duncan McLeod, Newmark and Orde would be
unable to raise anything like the necessary amount. To his personal
anxieties Orde added a deep and bitter self-reproach at having
involved his partner in what amounted to a total loss.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from King James Bible: ZEC 12:8 In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of
Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as
David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD
before them.
ZEC 12:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to
destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
ZEC 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the
inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and
they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for
him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for
him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
King James Bible |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Research Magnificent by H. G. Wells: dispute arose among them, and there began a vast uproar, squeals,
protests, comments, one voice ridiculously replete and
authoritative, ridiculously suggestive of a drunken judge with his
mouth full, and a shrill voice of grievance high above the others. . . .
The uproar of the bears died away at last, almost abruptly, and left
the jungle to the incessant night-jars. . . .
For what end was this life of the jungle?
All Benham's senses were alert to the sounds and appearances about
him, and at the same time his mind was busy with the perplexities of
that riddle. Was the jungle just an aimless pool of life that man
must drain and clear away? Or is it to have a use in the greater
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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 Eugenie Grandet by Honore de Balzac: father,--
"Are not they fuming, hein?"
"Hold your tongue, my son!" said his mother; "they might hear you.
Besides, what you say is not in good taste,--law-school language."
"Well, uncle," cried the president when he saw the des Grassins
disappearing, "I began by being de Bonfons, and I have ended as
nothing but Cruchot."
"I saw that that annoyed you; but the wind has set fair for the des
Grassins. What a fool you are, with all your cleverness! Let them sail
off on Grandet's 'We'll see about it,' and keep yourself quiet, young
man. Eugenie will none the less be your wife."
Eugenie Grandet |
