| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Deputy of Arcis by Honore de Balzac: but few representatives in the Chamber, he might become an organ that
would echo far. By his peculiar position of birth and fortune,
whatever might be the truth of it, he was one who could do without the
favors of government; and all information obtained about him went to
show that he was a man of grave character and opinions, who could not
be turned from his chosen way.
On the other hand, the cloud upon his life might at a given moment
serve to neutralize his honor; and Rastignac, while rejecting the
proposal of de Trailles and Franchessini to put the mystery into the
hands of the police, did not himself renounce a means which, dangerous
as it seemed to him, he might use if occasion warranted.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Essays of Travel by Robert Louis Stevenson: chalked his hand and clothes, it was incongruous to hear this
formidable old salt chuckling over his boyish monkey trick.
In the morning, my first thought was of the sick man. I was afraid I
should not recognise him, baffling had been the light of the lantern;
and found myself unable to decide if he were Scots, English, or
Irish. He had certainly employed north-country words and elisions;
but the accent and the pronunciation seemed unfamiliar and
incongruous in my ear.
To descend on an empty stomach into Steerage No. 1, was an adventure
that required some nerve. The stench was atrocious; each respiration
tasted in the throat like some horrible kind of cheese; and the
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from A Passion in the Desert by Honore de Balzac: In order to place a sufficient distance between themselves and the
French army, the Maugrabins made forced marches, and only halted when
night was upon them. They camped round a well overshadowed by palm
trees under which they had previously concealed a store of provisions.
Not surmising that the notion of flight would occur to their prisoner,
they contented themselves with binding his hands, and after eating a
few dates, and giving provender to their horses, went to sleep.
When the brave Provencal saw that his enemies were no longer watching
him, he made use of his teeth to steal a scimiter, fixed the blade
between his knees, and cut the cords which prevented him from using
his hands; in a moment he was free. He at once seized a rifle and a
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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 The United States Bill of Rights: Ratified December 15, 1791
I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
II
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,
the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house,
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