| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum: are very foolish to go back into that stupid, humdrum world again."
"Uncle Henry needs me," said Dorothy, simply; and every one except
Billina thought it was right that she should go.
All Dorothy's friends of the Land of Oz--both old and new--gathered
in a group in front of the palace to bid her a sorrowful good-bye
and to wish her long life and happiness. After much hand shaking,
Dorothy kissed Ozma once more, and then handed her the Nome King's
magic belt, saying:
"Now, dear Princess, when I wave my handkerchief, please wish me with
Uncle Henry. I'm aw'fly sorry to leave you--and the Scarecrow--and
the Tin Woodman--and the Cowardly Lion--and Tiktok--and--and
Ozma of Oz |
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: occasion, I desired him to tell me freely and ingeniously,
whether the predictions Mr. Bickerstaff had publish'd relating to
his death, had not too much affected and worked on his
imagination. He confess'd he had often had it in his head, but
never with much apprehension, till about a fortnight before;
since which time it had the perpetual possession of his mind and
thoughts, and he did verily believe was the true natural cause of
his present distemper: For, said he, I am thoroughly persuaded,
and I think I have very good reasons, that Mr. Bickerstaff spoke
altogether by guess, and knew no more what will happen this year
than I did myself. I told him his discourse surprized me; and I
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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 Court Life in China by Isaac Taylor Headland: immediately to the north of the homes of their Majesties. One day
while passing through the forbidden grounds I came upon this
temple from the rear. In the dome of one of the buildings is a
circular space some ten feet in diameter, carved and gilded in
the form of two magnificent dragons after the fabled pearl. It is
to this place the Emperor goes in time of drought to confess his
sins, for he confesses to the gods that the drought is all his
doing, and to pray for forgiveness, and for rain to enrich the
thirsty land. The towers on the corners of the wall of the
Forbidden City are the same style of architecture as the small
pavilion in the front court of this temple.
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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 Tik-Tok of Oz by L. Frank Baum: Kaliko: "Summon the executioners."
Kaliko at once withdrew and presently returned
with a score of nomes, all of whom were nearly as
evil looking as their hated master. They bore
great golden pincers, and prods of silver, and
clamps and chains and various wicked-looking
instruments, all made of precious metals and set
with diamonds and rubies.
"Now, Pang," said Ruggedo, addressing the leader
of the executioners, "fetch the Army of Oogaboo
and their Queen from the pit and torture them here
Tik-Tok of Oz |
