| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Kenilworth by Walter Scott: favourite accosted was one of his own zealous dependants.
"How now, Sir Francis Denning," he whispered, in answer to his
exulting salutation, "that smile hath made thy face shorter by
one-third than when I first saw it this morning.--What, Master
Bowyer, stand you back, and think you I bear malice? You did but
your duty this morning; and if I remember aught of the passage
betwixt us, it shall be in thy favour."
Then the Earl was approached, with several fantastic congees, by
a person quaintly dressed in a doublet of black velvet, curiously
slashed and pinked with crimson satin. A long cock's feather in
the velvet bonnet, which he held in his hand, and an enormous
Kenilworth |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Thuvia, Maid of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs: in the avenue to receive them. About him were a hundred
or more men of the same race. All were clothed in
flowing robes and all were beardless.
Their attitude was more of fearful suspicion than antagonism.
They followed the new-comers with their eyes; but spoke no word to them.
Carthoris could not but notice the fact that though the
city had been but a short time before surrounded by a
horde of bloodthirsty demons yet none of the citizens
appeared to be armed, nor was there sign of soldiery about.
He wondered if all the fighting men had sallied forth in one
supreme effort to rout the foe, leaving the city all unguarded.
Thuvia, Maid of Mars |
