| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Wrecker by Stevenson & Osbourne: in the thing at all? It was you only who knew the address, and
you were concealing it. Suppose I should communicate with
Mr. Pinkerton----"
"Look here!" I interrupted, "communicate with him (if you will
permit me to clothe my idea in a vulgar shape) till you are blue
in the face. There is only one person with whom I refuse to
allow you to communicate further, and that is myself. Good
morning."
He could not conceal his rage, disappointment, and surprise;
and in the passage (I have no doubt) was shaken by St. Vitus.
I was disgusted by this interview; it struck me hard to be
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle: Then, when he had done speaking, Robin stretched out his hand
and grasped the Knight's palm. Quoth he in a trembling voice,
"I owe thee a debt I can never hope to repay, Sir Richard,
for let me tell thee, I would rather lose my right hand than have
such ill befall young David of Doncaster as seemed like to come
upon him at Denby."
So they talked until after a while one came forward to say
that the feast was spread; whereupon all arose and went thereto.
When at last it was done, the Knight called upon his men to bring
the pack horses forward, which they did according to his bidding.
Then one of the men brought the Knight a strongbox, which he opened
 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood |