| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Old Indian Legends by Zitkala-Sa: they bound him hand and feet. Grown-ups and children sneered and
hooted at Iktomi's disgrace. For a half-day he lay there, the
laughing-stock of the people. Upon the arrival of the real
avenger, Iktomi was released and chased away beyond the outer
limits of the camp ground.
On the following morning at daybreak, peeped the people out of
half-open door-flaps.
There again in the midst of the large camp ground was a man in
beaded buckskins. In his hand was a strong bow and red-tipped
arrow. Again the big red eagle appeared on the edge of the bluff.
He plumed his feathers and flapped his huge wings.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne: his endeavouring to catch the snuffers in falling,--he thrust Monsieur
Blondel off the table, and Count de Pagon o'top of him.
'Twas to no purpose for a man, lame as my uncle Toby was, to think of
redressing these evils by himself,--he rung his bell for his man Trim;--
Trim, quoth my uncle Toby, prithee see what confusion I have here been
making--I must have some better contrivance, Trim.--Can'st not thou take my
rule, and measure the length and breadth of this table, and then go and
bespeak me one as big again?--Yes, an' please your Honour, replied Trim,
making a bow; but I hope your Honour will be soon well enough to get down
to your country-seat, where,--as your Honour takes so much pleasure in
fortification, we could manage this matter to a T.
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