| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Herodias by Gustave Flaubert: sides. Then Mannaeus, having entirely regained his courage, placed the
charger before Aulus, who had just awakened from a short doze; and
finally he brought it again to Antipas and set it down upon the table
beside him. Tears were running down the cheeks of the tetrarch.
The lights began to flicker and die out. The guests departed, and at
last no one remained in the great hall save Antipas, who sat leaning
his head upon his hands, gazing at the head of Iaokanann; and Phanuel,
who stood in the centre of the largest nave and prayed aloud, with
uplifted arms.
At sunrise the two men who had been sent on a mission by Iaokanann
some time before, returned to the castle, bringing the answer so long
Herodias |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Helen of Troy And Other Poems by Sara Teasdale: Cleis, the beloved."
Sapphic fragment.
When the dusk was wet with dew,
Cleis, did the muses nine
Listen in a silent line
While your mother sang to you?
Did they weep or did they smile
When she crooned to still your cries,
She, a muse in human guise,
Who forsook her lyre awhile?
Did you feel her wild heart beat?
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