| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Records of a Family of Engineers by Robert Louis Stevenson: Kittes,' in the Leeward Islands - both, says the family Bible,
`of a fiver'(!). The death of Hugh was probably announced by
Alan in a letter, to which we may refer the details of the
open boat and the dew. Thus, at least, in something like the
course of post, both were called away, the one twenty-five,
the other twenty-two; their brief generation became extinct,
their short-lived house fell with them; and `in these lawless
parts and lawless times' - the words are my grandfather's -
their property was stolen or became involved. Many years
later, I understand some small recovery to have been made; but
at the moment almost the whole means of the family seem to
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Koran: we will inform you of that which ye have done!
Verily, the likeness of this world's life is like water which we
send down from the sky, and the plants of the earth, from which men
and cattle eat, are mingled therewith; until when the earth puts on
its gilding and is adorned, the people thereof think that they have
power over it. Our order comes to it by night or day, and we make it
as it were mown down- as though it had not yesterday been rich!-
Thus do we detail the signs unto a people who reflect.
God calls unto the abode of peace, and guides whom He will into
the right path.
To those who do what is good, goodness and increase! nor shall
The Koran |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg by Mark Twain: IF one of them has overheard the other reveal the test-remark to his
wife, we shall catch him now."
A Voice. "How?"
The Tanner. "Easily. The two have not quoted the remark in exactly
the same words. You would have noticed that, if there hadn't been a
considerable stretch of time and an exciting quarrel inserted
between the two readings."
A Voice. "Name the difference."
The Tanner. "The word VERY is in Billson's note, and not in the
other."
Many Voices. "That's so--he's right!"
The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg |
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 The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie: "One thing more. What did Mrs. Inglethorp mean by her dying
words?"
"They were, of course, an accusation against her husband."
"Dear me, Poirot," I said with a sigh, "I think you have
explained everything. I am glad it has all ended so happily.
Even John and his wife are reconciled."
"Thanks to me."
"How do you mean--thanks to you?"
"My dear friend, do you not realize that it was simply and solely
the trial which has brought them together again? That John
Cavendish still loved his wife, I was convinced. Also, that she
The Mysterious Affair at Styles |
