| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Country Doctor by Honore de Balzac: Taboureau gave a suspicious glance at the stranger seated at the
doctor's table, and said:
"It is not a case of illness, M. le Maire, but you understand how to
doctor the ailments of the purse just as well as those of the body. We
have had a little difficulty with a man over at Saint-Laurent, and I
have come to ask your advice about it."
"Why not see the justice of the peace or his clerk?"
"Oh, because you are so much cleverer, sir, and I shall feel more sure
about my case if I can have your countenance."
"My good Taboureau, I am willing to give medical advice to the poor
without charging for it; but I cannot look into the lawsuits of a man
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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 Bickerstaff-Partridge Papers by Jonathan Swift: four of the clock in the afternoon; and last till nine at night
with great obstinacy, but no very decisive event. I shall not
name the place, for the reasons aforesaid; but the commanders on
each left wing will be killed. -- I see bonfires, and hear the
noise of guns for a victory.
On the 14th there will be a false report of the French king's
death.
On the 20th Cardinal Portocarero will die of a dysentery, with
great suspicion of poison; but the report of his intention to
revolt to King Charles, will prove false.
July. The 6th of this month a certain general will, by a glorious
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