| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Aesop's Fables by Aesop: hen-coop, and saw a Cock roosting high up beyond his reach. "Good
news, good news!" he cried.
"Why, what is that?" said the Cock.
"King Lion has declared a universal truce. No beast may hurt
a bird henceforth, but all shall dwell together in brotherly
friendship."
"Why, that is good news," said the Cock; "and there I see some
one coming, with whom we can share the good tidings." And so
saying he craned his neck forward and looked afar off.
"What is it you see?" said the Fox.
"It is only my master's Dog that is coming towards us. What,
Aesop's Fables |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad: `Expect nothing else,' I said. `There are only private letters.'
He withdrew upon some threat of legal proceedings, and I saw him
no more; but another fellow, calling himself Kurtz's cousin,
appeared two days later, and was anxious to hear all the details
about his dear relative's last moments. Incidentally he gave me
to understand that Kurtz had been essentially a great musician.
`There was the making of an immense success,' said the man,
who was an organist, I believe, with lank grey hair flowing over
a greasy coat-collar. I had no reason to doubt his statement;
and to this day I am unable to say what was Kurtz's profession,
whether he ever had any--which was the greatest of his talents.
Heart of Darkness |
