| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Tales of Unrest by Joseph Conrad: there had been much talk, but after they went away everything seemed
to be as before, only their ships remained in sight from our coast,
and very soon their traders came amongst us under a promise of
safety. My brother was a Ruler, and one of those who had given the
promise. I was young then, and had fought in the war, and Pata Matara
had fought by my side. We had shared hunger, danger, fatigue, and
victory. His eyes saw my danger quickly, and twice my arm had
preserved his life. It was his destiny. He was my friend. And he was
great amongst us--one of those who were near my brother, the Ruler. He
spoke in council, his courage was great, he was the chief of many
villages round the great lake that is in the middle of our country as
Tales of Unrest |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Brother of Daphne by Dornford Yates: for a long time, any way,"
Thoughtfully I pulled on my gloves. Then:
"My dear," said I, "for that boast you may shortly expect a
judgment."
"More judgments?" she cried with a laugh, turning to look at me,
the straight brews raised in mockery. "Which will cost you more,
my fair Olympian, than a glad eye."
A quarter past five. The train was passing through the outskirts
of London. A bare ten minutes more, and we should arrive. I
looked anxiously at the girl, wondering where, when, how I should
see her again. For the last half-hour we had spoken but little.
The Brother of Daphne |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde: for England . . . and myself. [Goes out.]
LADY MARKBY. [Turning to LADY CHILTERN.] Dear Gertrude, we just
called to know if Mrs. Cheveley's diamond brooch has been found.
LADY CHILTERN. Here?
MRS. CHEVELEY. Yes. I missed it when I got back to Claridge's, and
I thought I might possibly have dropped it here.
LADY CHILTERN. I have heard nothing about it. But I will send for
the butler and ask. [Touches the bell.]
MRS. CHEVELEY. Oh, pray don't trouble, Lady Chiltern. I dare say I
lost it at the Opera, before we came on here.
LADY MARKBY. Ah yes, I suppose it must have been at the Opera. The
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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 A Voyage to Arcturus by David Lindsay: for the despairing anguish that filled his mind.
Tydomin addressed him in tones of gentle reproach. "Why are you back
so soon? I've not had time yet. You must return."
He caught hold of her, and pulled himself up to his feet. She gave a
low scream, as though in pain. "What does this mean - what are you
doing, Maskull?"
"Krag - " began Maskull, but the effort to produce his words choked
him, so that he was obliged to stop.
"Krag - what of Krag? Tell me quickly what has happened. Free my
arm."
He gripped her arm tighter.
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