| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Black Dwarf by Walter Scott: ballad called the Cowt of Keeldar, "a fairy of the most malignant
order--the genuine Northern Duergar." The best and most
authentic account of this dangerous and mysterious being occurs
in a tale communicated to the author by that eminent antiquary,
Richard Surtees, Esq. of Mainsforth, author of the HISTORY OF THE
BISHOPRIC OF DURHAM.
According to this well-attested legend, two young Northumbrians
were out on a shooting party, and had plunged deep among the
mountainous moorlands which border on Cumberland. They stopped
for refreshment in a little secluded dell by the side of a
rivulet. There, after they had partaken of such food as they
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Deputy of Arcis by Honore de Balzac: him as a father would treat a spoilt child.
"Olivier," he replied to his substitute, slapping him on the shoulder,
"a man of your capacity ought to reflect that Maitre Giguet is very
likely to become deputy. You'd have made that remark just as readily
before the people of Arcis as before us, who are safe friends."
"There is one thing against Giguet," observed Monsieur Martener.
This good young man, rather heavy but full of capacity, the son of a
physician in Provins, owed his place to Vinet's father, who was long a
lawyer in Provins and still continued to be the patron of his people
as the Comte de Gondreville was the patron of the people of Arcis.
"What is that?" asked the sub-prefect.
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