| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Droll Stories, V. 1 by Honore de Balzac: nobleman. Philippe de Mala mounted the stairs as lightly as a
greyhound in love, and was guided by delectable odour of perfume to
certain chamber where, surrounded by her handmaidens, the lady of the
house was divesting herself of her attire. He stood quite dumbfounded
like a thief surprised by sergeants. The lady was without petticoat or
head-dress. The chambermaid and the servants, busy taking off her
stockings and undressing her, so quickly and dextrously had her
stripped, that the priest, overcome, gave vent to a long Ah! which had
the flavour of love about it.
"What want you, little one?" said the lady to him.
"To yield my soul to you," said he, flashing his eyes upon her.
Droll Stories, V. 1 |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: promised me to INSIST upon her marrying him."
"My dear," replied her husband, "I have two small favours to
request. First, that you will allow me the free use of my
understanding on the present occasion; and secondly, of my
room. I shall be glad to have the library to myself as soon as
may be."
Not yet, however, in spite of her disappointment in her husband,
did Mrs. Bennet give up the point. She talked to Elizabeth again
and again; coaxed and threatened her by turns. She endeavoured
to secure Jane in her interest; but Jane, with all possible
mildness, declined interfering; and Elizabeth, sometimes with
Pride and Prejudice |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Soul of the Far East by Percival Lowell: from the toy of an hour to the triumphs of all time, is touched by a
taste unknown elsewhere. To stroll down the Broadway of Tokio of an
evening is a liberal education in everyday art. As you enter it
there opens out in front of you a fairy-like vista of illumination.
Two long lines of gayly lighted shops, stretching off into the
distance, look out across two equally endless rows of torch-lit
booths, the decorous yellow gleam of the one contrasting strangely
with the demoniacal red flare of the other. This perspective of
pleasure fulfils its promise. As your feet follow your eyes you
find yourself in a veritable shoppers' paradise, the galaxy of
twinkle resolving into worlds of delight. Nor do you long remain 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 King Henry VI by William Shakespeare: My forces and my power of men are yours:
So, farewell, Talbot; I 'll no longer trust thee.
PUCELLE.
[Aside] Done like a Frenchman: turn and turn
again!
CHARLES.
Welcome, brave duke; thy friendship makes us
fresh.
BASTARD.
And doth beget new courage in our breasts.
ALENCON.
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