| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe: #150 and a suit of black silk clothes; and there I agree, and as
it were, at my attorney's request, complied with it, he paying
my attorney's bill and charges, and gave us a good supper into
the bargain.
When I came to receive the money, I brought my governess
with me, dressed like an old duchess, and a gentleman very
well dressed, who we pretended courted me, but I called him
cousin, and the lawyer was only to hint privately to him that
his gentleman courted the widow.
He treated us handsomely indeed, and paid the money
cheerfully enough; so that it cost him #200 in all, or rather
Moll Flanders |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from In Darkest England and The Way Out by General William Booth: the privilege of being removed away from the licensed temptations to
drink which surround them at every step. Moreover, could they obtain
admission they would feel themselves anything but at ease amongst the
class who avail themselves of these institutions. We propose to
establish Homes which will contemplate the deliverance, not of ones and
twos, but of multitudes, and which will be accessible to the poor,
or to persons of any class choosing to use them. This is our national
vice, and it demands nothing short of a national remedy--anyway,
one of proportions large enough to be counted national.
1. To begin with, there will be City Homes, into which a man can be
taken, watched over, kept out of the way of temptation, and if
In Darkest England and The Way Out |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Black Beauty by Anna Sewell: have a chance of getting on and a chance of doing right; I haven't.
We can't charge more than sixpence a mile after the first,
within the four-mile radius. This very morning I had to go a clear six miles
and only took three shillings. I could not get a return fare,
and had to come all the way back; there's twelve miles for the horse
and three shillings for me. After that I had a three-mile fare,
and there were bags and boxes enough to have brought in a good many twopences
if they had been put outside; but you know how people do;
all that could be piled up inside on the front seat were put in
and three heavy boxes went on the top. That was sixpence,
and the fare one and sixpence; then I got a return for a shilling.
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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 Historical Lecturers and Essays by Charles Kingsley: affectionate, careless little man, he gave away, says his pupil and
biographer, Joubert, his valuable specimens to any savant who begged
for them, or left them about to be stolen by visitors, who, like too
many collectors in all ages, possessed light fingers and lighter
consciences. So pacific was he meanwhile, and so brave withal that
even in the fearful years of "The Troubles," he would never carry
sword, nor even tuck or dagger: but went about on the most
lonesome journeys as one who wore a charmed life, secure in God and
in his calling, which was to heal, and not to kill.
These were the golden years of Rondelet's life; but trouble was
coming on him, and a stormy sunset after a brilliant day. He lost
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