| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Within the Tides by Joseph Conrad: something. The figure-head was a half-naked savage with a feather
over one ear and a hatchet in his belt). Tomahawking, says he.
"What do you mean? asks George. . . Wrecking - it could be managed
with perfect safety, goes on Cloete - your brother would then put
in his share of insurance money. Needn't tell him exactly what
for. He thinks you're the smartest business man that ever lived.
Make his fortune, too. . . George grips the desk with both hands in
his rage. . . You think my brother's a man to cast away his ship on
purpose. I wouldn't even dare think of such a thing in the same
room with him - the finest fellow that ever lived. . . Don't make
such noise; they'll hear you outside, says Cloete; and he tells him
Within the Tides |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Some Reminiscences by Joseph Conrad: "Don't let them break his legs," he entreated me plaintively.
"Oh, nonsense! He's all right now. He can't move."
By that time the cargo-chain had been hooked to the broad canvas
belt round the pony's body, the kalashes sprang off
simultaneously in all directions, rolling over each other, and
the worthy serang, making a dash behind the winch, turned the
steam on.
"Steady!" I yelled, in great apprehension of seeing the animal
snatched up to the very head of the derrick.
On the wharf Almayer shuffled his straw slippers uneasily. The
rattle of the winch stopped, and in a tense, impressive silence
Some Reminiscences |
