| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Duchesse de Langeais by Honore de Balzac: whole. A future certainty was sacrificed to a doubtful present
gain. This blunder in policy may perhaps be attributed to the
following cause.
The class-isolation so strenuously kept up by the noblesse
brought about fatal results during the last forty years; even
caste-patriotism was extinguished by it, and rivalry fostered
among themselves. When the French noblesse of other times were
rich and powerful, the nobles (gentilhommes) could choose their
chiefs and obey them in the hour of danger. As their power
diminished, they grew less amenable to discipline; and as in the
last days of the Byzantine Empire, everyone wished to be emperor.
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Camille by Alexandre Dumas: the future, which, thanks to our heedlessness, and especially to
our love, we saw in the rosiest light.
A week later, as we were having lunch, Nanine came to tell us
that my servant was asking for me. "Let him come in," I said.
"Sir," said he, "your father has arrived in Paris, and begs you
to return at once to your rooms, where he is waiting for you."
This piece of news was the most natural thing in the world, yet,
as we heard it, Marguerite and I looked at one another. We
foresaw trouble. Before she had spoken a word, I replied to her
thought, and, taking her hand, I said, "Fear nothing."
"Come back as soon as possible," whispered Marguerite, embracing
Camille |
