| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath by H. P. Lovecraft: whose meaning none could decipher. Around him he wrapped another
blanket, for the nights are cold in Oriab; and when upon awaking
once he thought he felt the wings of some insect brushing his
face he covered his head altogether and slept in peace till roused
by the magah birds in distant resin groves.
The sun had just
come up over the great slope whereon leagues of primal brick foundations
and worn walls and occasional cracked pillars and pedestals stretched
down desolate to the shore of Yath, and Carter looked about for
his tethered zebra. Great was his dismay to see that docile beast
stretched prostrate beside the curious pillar to which it had
The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Rig Veda: watery
pool,
Come hither quickly both at morning and at eve, and with the
Kanvas
drink thy fill.
4 May the drops gladden thee, rich Indra, and obtain bounty
for him
who pours the juice.
Soma pressed in the mortar didst thou take and drink, and hence
hast
won surpassing might.
The Rig Veda |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Koran: until when he comes to us he shall say, 'O, would that between me
and thee there were the distance of the two orients, for an evil
mate (art thou)!' But it shall not avail you on that day, since ye
were unjust; verily, in the torment shall ye share!
What! canst thou make the deaf to hear, or guide the blind, or him
who is in obvious error?
Whether then we take thee off we will surely take vengeance on them;
or whether we show thee that which we have promised them; for, verily,
we have power over them.
Say, 'Dost thou hold to what is inspired thee verily, thou art in
the right way, and, verily, it is a reminder to thee and to thy
The Koran |
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 1492 by Mary Johntson: beaten about, some injury done, but alive! And the coast
of Cuba, nearer, nearer, tall and blue--and at last very tall
and green and gold.
Off Cuba and still off Cuba, the southern coast now, as
against the northern that once we tried for a while. Sail
and come to land, stay a bit, and shake out sails once
more!
Wherever we tarried we found peaceable if vastly excited
Indians. But still naked, but still unwise as to gold
and spices, traders and markets. Cambalu, Quinsai and
Zaiton of the marble bridges!
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