| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Kwaidan by Lafcadio Hearn: courage that few priests possess; and you have the air of a soldier rather
than a priest. Perhaps you once belonged to the samurai-class?"
"You have guessed rightly, Sir," Kwairyo responded. "Before becoming a
priest, I long followed the profession of arms; and in those days I never
feared man or devil. My name then was Isogai Heidazaemon Taketsura of
Kyushu: there may be some among you who remember it."
At the mention of that name, a murmur of admiration filled the
court-room.; for there were many present who remembered it. And Kwairyo
immediately found himself among friends instead of judges, -- friends
anxious to prove their admiration by fraternal kindness. With honor they
escorted him to the residence of the daimyo, who welcomed him, and feasted
Kwaidan |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Aspern Papers by Henry James: be proud of and hang up in a prominent place on the parlor wall.
Therefore of course she had not any portrait.
Miss Tita made no direct answer to this and, candle in hand,
with her back to me, ascended two or three stairs.
Then she stopped short and turned round, looking at me across
the dusky space.
"Do you write--do you write?" There was a shake in her voice--
she could scarcely bring out what she wanted to ask.
"Do I write? Oh, don't speak of my writing on the same day with Aspern's!"
"Do you write about HIM--do you pry into his life?"
"Ah, that's your aunt's question; it can't be yours!"
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